Grover Melton Norwood

Mr. Grover Melton Norwood, age 88, of Biloxi, MS, passed away on Friday, March 2, 2018, in Ocean Springs. Mr. Norwood was born on December 11, 1929, in Fairfield County, Brookman, South Carolina to Claud Marion Norwood and Charlotte Elizabeth Campbell Norwood. He graduated from the University of Southern Mississippi with Bachelors and Masters degrees. Mr. Norwood was a decorated U.S. Air Force Veteran. He had a distinguished 27 year career and retired as a Senior Master Sergeant. He served several years at Keesler Air Force Base as an instructor in Communications and Electronics. He also served in forward operations areas in Southeast Asia and was a member of the USAF Inspector General Staff. Mr. Norwood was a member of the Air Force Boxing Team, enjoyed gardening, baseball, professional photography, chess and was an avid traveler. He also studied Theology. Following his Air Force career, he worked for Lockheed-Martin in Saudi Arabia for five years. Mr. Norwood’s outlook on life was inspirational and uplifting to all those around him, even perfect strangers. When asked, he was always feeling “fantastic”, no matter what. And his positive attitude and sense of humor were contagious; often giving rise to laughter (the best medicine). On one occasion (following years of surgeries and other treatments), he shared with staff and patients in a medical treatment center a conversation he had had with God, in which he said, “Lord, if you want me, could you just take me all at once, instead of piece by piece?!” Just like that, the melancholy atmosphere became one of joy and uplifting life. Such was the nature of Grover Norwood. He was a lifetime member of Free Masons and worked with orphans in Thailand. Mr. Norwood was preceded in death by his parents, sisters, Beatrice Rye, Gladys Lee and Grace Lee and a brother, Flint Norwood. Survivors include his loving wife of 65 years, Evelyn Jeanette Barnes Norwood, who resides in their home in Biloxi, MS, a daughter and her spouse: Tina Jeanette Norwood Katz and Lt. Col. Robert Alan Katz, USAFR Retired, son, Mark Melton Norwood, and a granddaughter, his shining light, Eva Jeanette Katz. On Friday, March 9, there will be a 1:30 pm graveside service in Biloxi National Cemetery, with full military honors. The Ocean Springs Chapel of Bradford O'Keefe Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements.