Norwood
DALLAS—Oliver Eugene Norwood was born on July 11, 1944, in Gause to Johnnie and Laura (Smith) Norwood.
At an early age Oliver joined New Hope Bap tist Church in Rockdale and confessed Jesus Christ as his Lord and Savior.
In Rockdale, he went on to graduate from Aycock High School in 1962 and soon after enlisted in the U.S. Air Force, where he served as a communications specialist. He was honorably discharged in May 1970.
While enlisted and stationed in Hawaii, he met and married Katherine Mary Brignac Norwood Odrick in 1968. From this union they had one daughter, Kristina A. Norwood.
Once discharged from the Air Force, Oliver chose to further his education by enrolling in The University of Texas, Arlington, where he graduated with a bachelor of arts degree in government.
After college he started his civilian career working for the State of Texas in human services. After several well-deserved promotions, he retired from the State of Texas with the title of administrative director in October 1999.
Without a doubt, for many years Oliver was the patriarch of this Norwood family. He was always available for all. He opened his heart and soul to those in need of counsel, advice or just a listening ear with an open mind—he was there. He also opened his home, as well as his wallet, to any family member in need.
On Dec. 3, 2022, Oliver exchanged his earthly body for a heavenly crown.
A funeral service was held Tuesday, Dec. 20, at The Chandelier Room of Singing Hills in Dallas. A committal service occurred later Tuesday at DFW National Cemetery in Dallas.
He was preceded in death by his parents, Johnnie Norwood and Laura (Smith-Lawson) Norwood; a brother, O.Z. Owens; and three sisters, Annie Bell Williams, Alvelma Stanfield and Mildred Maloy-Lee.
Oliver leaves to cherish his memory a daughter, Kristina Norwood; and three grandchildren, Derrion and Dominique Cyprian and Kennedi Norwood, all of New Orleans, Louisiana; and two brothers, Andrew Jefferson (A.J.) Norwood (Gurlie) of Oberlin, Louisiana, Clifford Anthony (Tony) Norwood (Kathlyn) of San Antonio; also, a host of nieces, nephews, cousins and other relatives and friends who loved him dearly, in particular his closest friend and “neighbor,” Freo Reagan.