Benjamin Robert Norton better known as "Ben", age 71, of Blue Ridge, GA passed away on Friday, February 3, 2012 at home. Ben was born in Fannin County on June 8, 1940 to the late Sam Hara Norton. He was retired from construction work and drove the school bus for the Fannin County Board of Education for many years. Ben attended New River Baptist Church. He was preceded in death by his father, Sam Hara Norton; wife, Bonnie Roberson Norton; son, Benjamin "Buck" Norton; sister, Willa Mae Dale and one great grandson.Survivors include son and daughter-in-law, Coy and Sandra Norton of Cherry Log, GA; son, James "Catbird" Norton of Blue Ridge, GA; daughters and sons-in-law, Betty and Gary Stanley of Blue Ridge, GA and Nancy and Bill Ritchie of Blue Ridge, GA; mother, Mrs. Ethel Marylou Brooks Norton of Blue Ridge, GA; brother, Kim Norton of Blue Ridge, GA; sisters, Lorenia Norton of Blue Ridge, GA, Myrtle Robinson of Dallas, NC; Linda Sue Norton of Blue Ridge, GA and Margaret Weeks of Blue Ridge, GA; seven grandchildren; two great-grandchildren; several nieces; nephews; cousins; many other relatives and friends.Funeral services will be conducted on Monday, February 6, 2012 at 2:00 p.m. from the Akins of Blue Ridge Chapel with Rev. Mike Collis officiating. Music will be by Renee Watkins. Pallbearers will be Jesse Norton, Josh Norton, Eric Norton, Troy Norton, Leroy Norton, Jerome Stewart and William Chastain and William Roberson. Honorary Pallbearers will be Johnson Foster and Monroe Parks. Interment will follow in the Sugar Creek Cemetery. The family will receive friends at the funeral home after 3:00 p.m. on Sunday February 5, 2012. Memorial contributions in memory of Ben may be made to the American Heart Association, P.O. Box 409410, Atlanta, GA 30384-9410. Condolences may be sent to the family at www.akinsfuneralhome.com. Akins Funeral Home of Blue Ridge is in charge of the arrangements. .