An MTF Tribute to our friend         
Don Norwood       

Don Norwood
Thursday, October 10th, 2024


Click here to read the announcement -->


Official Obituary

Don Norwood

In lieu of flowers the family request memorials be made to the
"Eldridge Toy Run In Memory of Don Norwood"

http://www.eldridgetoyrun.com/donate/

or by check made payable to
The Alabama Free Will Baptist Children’s Home
P.O. Box 73
Eldridge, AL 35554

Please note in memo for "Eldridge Toy Run - In Memory of Don Norwood"

A Visitation will be held Sunday from 5 - 7 pm at

Veal Memorial Funeral Home in Sulligent.

And a Visitation will be held Monday from 1 - 2 pm at

Veal Memorial Funeral Home in Guin

With Service to be held at 2:00 pm in the Chapel - Guin

Burial will be in the Guin City Cemetery.

Don Norwood age 75 of Guin, AL died Thursday October 10, 2024 at the Erlanger Baroness Hospital in Chattanooga, TN.

Visitation will be held Sunday, Oct. 13, from 5:00 pm until 7:00 pm in Sulligent, AL at the Veal Memorial Funeral Home. (Formerly Norwood Funeral Home). Funeral Services for Mr. Norwood will be Monday October 14, 2024 in Guin, AL at the Veal Memorial Funeral Home ( formerly Norwood Funeral Home) at 2:00 pm, with visitation 1 hour prior to the service. Burial will follow in the Guin City Cemetery.

Don was born May 5, 1949, the son of the late Augustus (Gus) Turner Norwood and Marcellene (Marcie) Waddell Norwood. He was a 1967 graduate of Marion County High School. He was a graduate of Gupton-Jones Mortuary School and attended Vanderbilt University. Mr. Norwood had a long career in funeral service which included employment at Morrison Funeral Home in Tuscumbia, Al. and Johns-Ridout Funeral Homes in Birmingham. He returned to his hometown of Guin to manage Norwood Funeral Home due to the poor health of his father. He started Norwood Funeral Home in Sulligent in 1973 and later became the owner of both funeral homes in Guin and Sulligent.

Among being a devoted family man Don's passion was always serving others. He organized Sulligent’s first Rescue Squad and served as its president. At the top of his greatest satisfaction was his volunteer work for the Eldridge Toy Run. He was a founder of this motorcycle ride over 22 years ago to benefit the Children’s Home Christmas Toy event. He was active in the Alabama Funeral Directors Assoc. formerly serving as the State Disaster Coordinator. Don also served as president of the Lamar County Cattlemen's Association.

Don’s favorite hobby was motorcycle riding and his second family was hundreds of friends he came to know over the years. Not only in the United States but Don rode in several countries including Brazil, Venezuela, Peru, Canada and others. His longest single ride was to the Artic Circle, which was over 14,000 miles.

Mr. Norwood is survived by his sons, Jeffrey (Jeff) Norwood ( Heather), Scott Norwood, daughter Julie Anna (Daniel) Hales, his wife Jeanette Scott Norwood. Grandchildren: Maddox, Maelie, Ellison, and Alden. His brothers, Rex E. Norwood and Tommy (Donna) Norwood.

In addition to his parents his brother, Charles Norwood, precedes him in death.

Pallbearers will be: Joe Norwood, Will Norwood, Blake Norwood, Kyle South, Ellison Menacof, Tommy Norwood, and Rex Norwood. Honorary Pallbearers are: All members of the Motorcycle Tourer's Fourm and the International BMW Owners Association.

Veal Memorial Funeral Home of Guin, AL directing.





Don served as a member of the MTF Board of Directors (2015-2017), serving as Director of Volunteers.

Don became a MTF Gold Member in December 2008. Click here for the announcement.


         


And Don was awarded the MTF Argonaut Award in 2010.

Comments from Don's MTF Friends:


--- David Gillespie (DragonflyUC)
It is just unimaginable that Don is no longer with us.  I have enjoyed every moment of our friendship over the years.

Ride the golden street of the heavens Don...  We love you.

--- Jim McPherson (jimmcp)
RIP Don and thanks for the friendship.

--- Mike Borolla (ALTONABOUT)
So sorry to hear.  Don will surely be missed.  He was a terrific human being & his work with the Eldridge Children's home really made him extraordinary.  We lost another good one.

--- Mike Newton (Grizz (grizz117))
Another shock.  I am deeply saddened by this news.  I last saw Don at the Terry Hammond event in Casey, IL.  I knew he had health issues but had no idea they would take him from us so soon.  Don was a true gentleman, a compassionate friend and a wealth of wisdom.  Ride free my friend.

--- davidtn57
Our BMW Club of Nashville participated in the Eldridge Toy Run for years. When I met Don, I knew right away he was a gentleman with a kind and caring soul.  Fly high my friend.

--- bikerbillwms
I had not met Don, buy having been on on this forum for a very long time, I do recall his many comments.  Rest easy Don'

--- Robert Rehkopf (SeabeeCapt)
I am sorry to hear this, Don is one of the founding MTF members and a very dedicated guy to riding and his charity work. Went to his Eldridge event many times and he was thankful for the turn out every time. I am sure his family and community will certainly miss him.

--- 1K1DAY
Don was our friend. He will be missed. We were very lucky to meet him on our ride through life. Karen and Doug.

--- Bill Campbell (redgoldwing)
We learned of this at the Farm Boys RTE. Mike Brown led us in a prayer for Don in the parking lot.

I first met Don on the 2008 Mississippi River Flower Sniff'n event. We rode our own rides during the day and each evening got together at dinner and told stories. Don's were THE BEST!

RIP Don.

--- Mike McCormick
Very sad. Don was one of the best. RIP Don

--- Jay Humphries
I hate to hear that. Don was a good one.

--- Greg Turp
So sad to read this. Don was bigger than life. I remember the first time I met him and the stories he told of his travels. He was instrumental in the path my motorcycle riding took riding the world. He was always there for a problem or to just lend an ear. I will miss him. May he RIP.

--- Bill Waller
Don was always a pleasure to be around. Whatever the setting, he had a story that was entertaining. He provided EMT training to me and my wife, mentored me in Basecamp, and led us on our first long ride out to west Texas... in addition to his leadership in local rescue squads, Eldridge CH, and Ironhorse MTF events. Sad time, but blessed with memories and fun times with Don.

--- Randy Freyer
he sure liked his side car rigs!

--- Jason Jonas
So many good memories of Don over the years. Some folks take. Some give. Don was a giver and left this world a much better place. It sucks the good ones can't stay around forever, but I reckon that's simply not the way it works. Godspeed, Don.

--- Thomas Southwood
Very sad. He was a great one, a staple of the MTF.

--- Andy Simons
Don could throw a party!

--- Dan Ross
Sad to hear. Don was a gentleman and loved Eldridge, as well as the MTF

--- David Gillespie
I am so sorry to read this. It is still hard to grasp that he will not be at Eldridge this year.

--- Kevin Lechner
sad news, Don was a big contributor to the MTF and Eldridge Children’s home. he will be missed. Condolences and prayers to his family. RIP Don.

--- Molly Allan
Always enjoyed talking to Don. Glad I got a chance to visit with him at Moonshine this past April. Eldridge will miss him.

--- Charles E. Hairr
So sorry to hear this....always looked forward to talking with Don down in Eldridge....

--- Ray King
I'mvery sad to hear this. RIP Don.


--- Mark Warner
So sad

--- Steve Gallant
Never got to meet Don, but his Basecamp instructional videos were a big help to me when first learning the ways of Garmin. RIP.

--- Mike Kimbrell
Sorry to hear this sad news. Condolences to the family.

--- Steve Eubanks
So sad to hear. He was great friend from our first meeting. RIP.

--- Brett P. Salmon
Really sad to hear about this. We have been kept up to date on his condition and it wasn't looking good. I'm sure that all that knew could tell endless (good and funny) stories about Don. He was an ambassador in the biking community and loved by all that knew him. The first CCR that I attended me and Don rode out together to the Tetons. Gonna miss him for sure.

--- Rick Martin
Very sad news this morning. Condolences to the family..

--- Steve Eubanks
Don Norwood and Ed Tillman. GOATS!!
You never forget!! RIP!

--- Lynne Carey
Rest in peace Don G Norwood Prayers for family and friends. Eldridge is his legacy of love.

--- Alan Leduc
So sad to hear about Don. Such a great person and friend.

--- Richard Wells
Sad news. Prayers for Don's family and friends.

--- Joe Merkt
So sorry to hear this. He was always friendly and kind.

--- Robert Van Brunt
Don was such a gentleman! Loved hearing all his stories. His journey with Flat Stanley is legendary! I was saddened to learn last week that he was ill. Prayers to his family!

--- Rick Natali
Very sad news, rest in peace

--- Magilla Ner
I never met Don but I appreciated his passion for the Eldridge Home and what he brought to the MTF. RIP

--- Brenda Lee Williams
We are all heartbroken over Don’s passing. He was my buddy and dear friend. Always laughter when you were around Don, if any of our Ironhorse family remembers the Pillow Case story??😂. I will cherish this as a memory for every, along with so many things he teased me about and all the special adventures we shared. RIP my friend.

--- Debbie Hairr
So sorry to hear this. He will be missed.

--- Prakash Krishnamurthy
Really sad to hear this news. I met him once at an RTE in KY many years ago. Condolences to the family. May his soul RIP

--- Charles Barnard
Very sad to hear. He was an instant friend. I hope we can continue his legacy at the Eldridge Children’s home.

--- John Harrison
Sad news. Don was a good man and he will be missed.

--- Tina Baker
Oh darn sorry to hear this. Don was a great guy. Prayers to his family and friends.

--- Chris Comly
So sorry to hear this

--- Sean Lyons
Godspeed to one of the good ones

--- Melanie Ramse Turp
I am so sad to hear of Don's passing. He was an inspiration to us and a friend to many. He gave of himself to those kids at Eldridge and worked to make their lives better. My heart hurts that we hadn't seen him fir a while, but know he will rest in peace.

--- Jon David Power
I really hated to hear this news about Don.

--- Mark Swindle
Oh lord, we have lost a good one. Sending prayers to the family and friends

--- Joan Daugherty
He was always soooooo kind to me! This really hits hard! Riding with the Lord now.

--- Wayne Edkin
Sadness.

--- Bruce Harris Jr
I’m at a loss for words. I miss him and his spirit already. God speed Dad…

--- Braulio Montesino
Very sorry to hear that. RIP

--- Susan Simons
Heartbreaking news. Don was loved by so many people and will be greatly missed. He took joy and goodness with him everywhere he went and worked to make life better for many people. He truly loved his neighbor. May his family be comforted, for Jesus promised blessed are they who mourn. Rest in peace Don.

--- Murphy Alba
Oh no! Such a great guy! My heart goes out to all his family and friends.

--- Karen Campbell
Our condolences! A great man that will be missed by many.

--- Mark Campbell
So sorry to hear this.

--- Pat Blewett
Such sad news. Don G Norwood was an MTF legend. He will be missed. Praying for his family and friends.

--- Patrick Jacobson
Don was truly one of THE Good Guys.

--- Joe B. Mays
Very sad to hear this. A real loss.

--- Jan Strickland
I heard Don say or write Helen Keller’s thought about death several times over the years. It’s only befitting to write them in his honor.
“What we once enjoyed and deeply loved we can never lose, for all that we love becomes a part of us”.
Rest in peace, Don G Norwood.

--- David Clark
Shoot, Don was always a welcoming soul at any event.

--- Mike Newton
I sit here in complete disbelief. I last saw Don in Casey, IL at the unveiling of the bench remembering Terry Hammond. He was in great spirits but having some health issues. I never imagined that he would be taken from us so soon.
Don was larger than life in many ways. He was always helping someone, brought joy to many and was a mentoring spirit.
Ride free my friend, you are greatly missed.

--- Greg Rice
This is very sad news.

--- Robert Elliott
So sorry to hear this. Don, was a great guy and wonderful friend. He will be remembered and missed.

--- Ray Williams
Lucky to have a friend like Don.

--- Cathy Frick Palmer
So sorry to hear this, he will be missed..

--- Greg Harrell
Sorry for this news. Rest In Peace Don.

--- Mike Brown
Sad news. Don only knew two kinds of people, friends and people who were soon to be friends.
It was so good to see him at Moonshine. I did not know of course, that it would be the last time we would be together.
God’s peace my friend, to you and your family.

--- Joe Sparrow
Sorry to hear this. I knew Don from the Ironhorse.

--- Mark Milanowski
Sad to hear about Don. He was a great representative of an MTFer.

--- Ashley Horn
I briefly met Don several years ago at Iron Horse in NC. Very nice guy. His YouTube videos on Garmin Basecamp really helped me get up to speed. RIP Don.

--- Joan Daugherty
I am so sorry! Prayers sent to all!

--- Laurissa Nolan Henderson
Oh my, so so sorry to read this. Praying for the family.

--- Mike McCormick
Very sad. Don was one of the best. RIP Don

--- Jay Humphries
I hate to hear that. Don was a good one.

--- Greg Turp
So sad to read this. Don was bigger than life. I remember the first time I met him and the stories he told of his travels. He was instrumental in the path my motorcycle riding took riding the world. He was always there for a problem or to just lend an ear. I will miss him. May he RIP.

--- Bill Waller
Don was always a pleasure to be around. Whatever the setting, he had a story that was entertaining. He provided EMT training to me and my wife, mentored me in Basecamp, and led us on our first long ride out to west Texas... in addition to his leadership in local rescue squads, Eldridge CH, and Ironhorse MTF events. Sad time, but blessed with memories and fun times with Don.

--- Randy Freyer
he sure liked his side car rigs!

Jason Jonas
So many good memories of Don over the years. Some folks take. Some give. Don was a giver and left this world a much better place. It sucks the good ones can't stay around forever, but I reckon that's simply not the way it works. Godspeed, Don.

--- Lehman Jaggers
To know Don enriched your life.A great friend.






    Rest In Peace Don!