Billy C. Norton, 64, of Franklin, passed away peacefully in his home with his wife by his side, on Monday, June 19, 2017.

Born in Macon County, he was the son of the late Clyde Norton and Irene Hurst Norton Dowdle. In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by a brother, Dale Dowdle. Billy was a U.S. Army veteran and retired from WCU where he worked as director of auxiliary service. Billy had a great love for music and was a talented musician and song writer.

He is survived by his wife, Charlene Moses Norton; son, Jonathan Dowdle (raised by Billy and his second wife, Kate Roellqen) of Asheville; two brothers, Howard Dowdle and wife Heather and Curtis Dowdle and wife Kathi all of Franklin; sister, Jenny Leopold and husband Adam of Florida; several nieces and nephews and his cousin Mike Crisp whom was his best friend and fellow musician.

A Celebration of Life will be held at 2:00 p.m., Sunday, July 16th at Cowee Volunteer Fire Department.

Macon Funeral Home is in charge of the arrangements.

Condolences can be made at maconfuneralhome.com.