Melvin Reece Norton, 68, of Statesville, N.C., died unexpectedly on Thursday, January 21, 2021. He was born in Iredell County on October 26, 1952, to the late Erby Reece Norton and Mary Louise Deal Norton.

Melvin attended Iredell County Schools and graduated from North Iredell High School in 1970. He was employed at Paumac Tubing. He served in the U.S. Army from 1972 to 1974 was stationed in Bamberg, Germany. On June 30, 1972, he married Janice Bumgarner Norton of the home.

In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by a son-in-law Timothy Hamby.

Melvin is survived by his wife, Janice Bumgarner Norton; a son, Brandon Reece Norton of the home; a daughter, Christina Lea Norton Hamby of Statesville; one grandson, Jace Levi Fox; one sister, Wanda Norton Babb and husband Till of Statesville.

A private family graveside service will be conducted at Old Providence Presbyterian Church Cemetery. Reverend Jeffrey Bumgarner will officiate. There will be no formal visitation. In lieu, of flowers Memorials may be given to Gordon Hospice House, 2341 Simonton Road, Statesville, NC 28625 and St. Jude’s Children Research Hospital, 501 St. Jude Place, Memphis TN 38105.

Chapman Funeral Home is serving the family.