Spence B. Norwood, 81, of Lithia Springs, GA, and a native resident of Benton, passed away Wednesday, March 16, 2011 in a Chattanooga hospital. He was a beloved husband, father and grandfather. A 1949 graduate of Polk County High School, he was a member of the first football team at PCHS. He also drove a tank for the United States Army in the Korean War and was a lifetime member of the American Legion, VFW, 40 & 8 Society and AmVets. An avid outdoorsman since retiring in 1988 from Rich's Department Store in Atlanta, GA he enjoyed traveling often to Benton Station to spend time with his daughter and grandsons. Spence enjoyed fishing, farming and camping and could often be found having a cup of coffee or biscuits and gravy with local friends around the various Benton establishments. His quiet nature was always quick to help others in need as he enjoyed finding things to be fixed or small projects to undertake. He was preceded in death by his parents, Frank and Julie Birchfield Norwood. Spence's father was one of the founders of Benton Station Baptist Church, where Spence was also a baptized member. He was also preceded in death by his son, Mark Norwood and 8 brothers and sisters. He is survived by his wife of 51 years, Norma Presswood Norwood, also a native of Benton; daughter, Kim Norwood Carver and husband, Danny Carver of Benton Station; the delight of his life for the last sixteen years, his grandsons, Chase Norwood Gregory, Austin James Gregory and Mikel Norwood Gregory; and sister, Blanche Norwood Tilley of Blue Ridge, GA. He also leaves behind a host of friends and neighbors at Lithia Springs, GA. Funeral services will be conducted at 3:00 p.m. on Saturday, March 19, 2011in the chapel of Higgins Funeral Home with Pastor Duane Schoonard officiating. Interment will follow in Benton Station Baptist Church Cemetery with full military honors. A white dove release ceremony will conclude the service. The family will receive friends from 1:00-3:00 p.m. at the funeral home prior to the service. We invite you to send a message of condolence and view the Norwood family guestbook at www.higginsfuneral.com.
Funeral Service
Saturday, March 19th, 2011
03:00 am
Higgins Funeral Home
6439 US-411,
Benton TN 37307