DORTON
Spurgeon McClaren Dorton, 91, of Huntersville, passed away peacefully on November 12, 2015 at Levine-Dickson Hospice House. Mr. Dorton was born on December 5, 1923 and grew up in Cabarrus County, NC, son of the late John Harvey Dorton and Laura Kiser Dorton. He was preceded in death by his wife of 62 years, Betsy Evans Dorton.
He is survived by his children, David Dorton and wife Laura, Martha Mays and husband Jeff, Mark Dorton, Beth Fields and husband Michael; and grandchildren Ashley Mays and Mary Yahl, Sarah Rose Dorton, Casey Fields, Jack Dorton, and Anna Fields.
Mr. Dorton was first and foremost a faithful servant of the Lord, a dedicated minister, loving husband and devoted father and grandfather.
Mr. Dorton served in the U.S. Army during World War II. After leaving the service he graduated from Wake Forest University and entered the field of education as a high school teacher in Bladenboro, NC. While teaching in Bladenboro, he met Betsy Evans, who became his loving wife.
After working in the field of education for several years Spurgeon was called to the ministry and entered the Southern Baptist Seminary in Louisville Kentucky. Upon completion of his Divinity Degree in 1953, Reverend Dorton began a long and dedicated life as a Baptist Minister. He served several churches, Orrum, Ten Mile, Pembroke and Fair Bluff Baptist Churches until he was called to serve at First Baptist Church of Huntersville. With his wife Betsy by his side, he served as Pastor of the First Baptist Church of Huntersville for 25 years. He developed a deep love for the people of Huntersville and made his home there after his retirement.
Although he had retired from work as a church minister, he continued to actively serve the Lord as an Interim Pastor for several churches, Senior Adult Pastor, Senior Adult Sunday School Teacher and Pastor Emeritus at First Baptist Church Huntersville.
Reverend Dorton was a scholar and a talented orator. He dedicated his talent and his knowledge to sharing the word of God and was steadfast in his faith in the Lord. He will be remembered as a kind, loyal, gentleman and a counselor who loved his church, his family and his community.
His family is especially grateful to the members of the First Baptist Church Senior Adult Sunday school class for their care and concern for Spurgeon and Betsy. They would also like to thank Brenda Raley who was not only a caretaker, but a true friend.
A memorial service will be held in Mr. Dorton’s honor at First Baptist Church of Huntersville at 4:00 pm on Sunday, November 15, 2015 with Rev. Stacy Nowell and Rev. Tina Burrelson officiating. Visitation will follow in the church sanctuary.
In lieu of flowers, please make donations to First Baptist Church of Huntersville to be used for the church’s mission programs.
James Funeral Home of Huntersville is serving the family.
