Joel Evans Norred

Joel Evans Norred, 75, died peacefully at home in Apalachicola, FL on April 24, 2025, after a lengthy and valiant battle with cancer. Joel fought with grace and dignity until the very end. He was surrounded by family and friends who stood by him during his journey.

Joel is survived by his wife of 31 years, Susan Norred of the home; his son, Justin Norred of Altamonte Springs, FL; his brother, Stan Norred (Sandee) and sister, Vena Rogers both of Apalachicola, FL, and numerous nieces and nephews.

He was predeceased by his father and mother, Joe and Dorothy Norred, of Apalachicola, FL.

Joel was a Franklin County native, born and raised in Apalachicola and a graduate of Chapman High School Class of 1967. He dedicated 44 years to law enforcement, starting off his career as Deputy Sheriff at the Franklin County Sheriff’s Office the same year. From there, he went to the Florida Governor's protection detail, serving former Governors Claude Kirk and Reuben Askew.

Joel graduated from Florida State University in 1974 with a Bachelor of Science in Criminology.

He ultimately served as a Special Agent with Florida Department of Law Enforcement (FDLE). His last FDLE appointment was as a Drug Abuse Resistance Education (D.A.R.E.) trainer for the state and assisted in D.A.R.E. trainings for the Department of Defense.

Throughout Joel’s career, he worked countless criminal investigations and natural disaster response efforts throughout the state of Florida with FDLE. In 2003, he received a Lifetime Achievement Award from the National DARE Officers Association for his contributions to the program across the country and internationally. Joel retired from FDLE the same year and returned home to Apalachicola.

In 2008, Joel came out of retirement to serve as Chief of the Franklin County Sheriff’s Office under newly elected Sheriff Skip Shiver. In 2013, Joel officially retired from his law enforcement career to enjoy the rest of his life with his wife, Susan. His leadership shaped many still at the sheriff’s office, and his legacy will be remembered for years to come. Joel was an active member of the First United Methodist Church in Port St. Joe, FL. He loved fishing, duck hunting and competition BBQ cooking with his team for Pogy Road Q.

Joel was loved by so many, widely respected, and known for his commitment to public service.

In 2023, Sheriff A.J. Smith named Joel as an Honorary Sheriff of Franklin County in recognition and gratitude of his leadership and impact on the sheriff’s office and Franklin County. His passion of law enforcement made an everlasting impact, and his memory will be kept alive through the values he embodied and the standards he set.

Joel’s memorial service will be held at Trinity Episcopal Church located at 79 Sixth Street, Apalachicola, FL on Saturday, May 10, 2025, at 1:00 PM. A brief reception will be held immediately following the service in the Benedict Hall.

Please consider donations to the Franklin County Sheriff’s Office Charity Fund, First United Methodist Church of Port Saint Joe Building Fund, Tunnel to Towers Fund, VITAS Healthcare Hospice, or charity of your choice in memory of Joel.

Arrangements are entrusted to the caring staff of Comforter Funeral Home in Port St. Joe, Florida.