Hubert Earl Norton

Hubert Earl Norton, a long-time resident of Destin, Florida, passed away peacefully on December 8, 2024. Born on March 10, 1932, in Clio, Alabama, he was the beloved son of Albert Valentine Norton and Myrtle Dorothy Phillips.

Hugh served in the United States Air Force from 1951 to 1955, during the Korean War. In recognition of his service, he was honored with the National Defense Medal and the OCC of Germany.

On January 7, 1950, Hugh married his sweetheart Ruth Fallin Norton and together they built a partnership that lasted 71 years. He was preceded in death by his siblings: Louise Berry, Betty Whittington, Donnell Norton, Albert Wayne Norton, Gloria Dozier, Jerry Norton, and Joyce Cook. He is survived by his siblings: James Norton, Jack Norton, and Lenora Cape.

Hugh, known to his daughter as "Daddy" and to his grandchildren and great grandchildren as "Papa", is remembered as a man who brought fried chicken and biscuits on Sundays and took his grandkids out for ice cream and a toy on Saturdays. He is survived by his cherished daughter: Karen Jones, his five grandchildren Jessica Marsaw, Emily Rusch, Andrew Jones, Daniel Jones and Lucas Jones, and his 16 grandchildren, Hailey, Melanie, Lindsey and Stacey Marsaw, Jack, Tucker and George Rusch, Landon, Kayley, Shelby, Abbie and Hannah Jones, Charlie, Harrison and Bennett Jones, and Lydia Jones. 

Hugh earned a bachelor's degree from Troy State University and an LLB from Atlanta Law School. What would be his lifelong work in the insurance industry began in 1959 when he started as a claims manager for New Amsterdam Casualty Insurance Company in Atlanta, Georgia. He advanced to become the branch manager of Security Insurance Group in 1964.

In 1972, Hugh, known henceforth as "Mr. Norton", founded Norton Insurance in Atlanta, Georgia. Norton Insurance would grow it into a multi-million dollar company with offices expanding to multiple states. Norton Insurance of Florida, established in 1982, continues to be a family owned and operated business. Mr. Norton also served as the President of the National Association of Surety Bond Producers, advocating for agencies nationwide.

Hugh's expertise and leadership extended to the political arena as the campaign manager for Ewell Hank Elliott, who served in the Georgia House of Representatives from 1973 to 1983. He also contributed his talents as a board member of Gray Communications, beginning in 1987 with its acquisition in Albany, Georgia by Mr. J. Mack Robinson. Gray Media now holds a 36% market share of television stations and media outlets across the United States.

Hugh's hobbies included boating, golf, and taking in the view of the Emerald Coast from his porch.  He will be remembered as the hoster of Thanksgivings and the maker of the world’s best macaroni and cheese. He quick to smile, always generous and kind to others. He will be lovingly remembered and cherished for all the good he put into the world.

Graveside Service will be held December 20th at 3:00pm at Destin Memorial Cemetery. A Celebration of Life will be held in January at Norton Insurance of Florida, 102 Beal Parkway Ft Walton Beach.

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