Claude Norwood

Claude Norwood VALDESE Claude Edward "Dogwood" or "Cherry Picker" Norwood, 67, of Morgan-ton, passed away Sunday, Dec. 11, 2011, at his residence, following an endless battle for his life due to cancer. He went peacefully with his wife and kids, a special sister-in-law, Linda Dyson, grandchildren, and very faithful side-kicks, Tequila, Carrie and Buddy, by his side. Mr. Norwood was born June 20, 1944, in Avery County, to the late Claude Jones and Ruth Byers Norwood. He was an excellent truck driver for 45 years with many driving awards. He excelled as a husband, father and grandfather, and he was a gentle man. In addition to his parents he was preceded in death by two brothers-in- law, Melvin Ramsey and Ford Arnett, and one son-in-law, Bud Cox. Those left to cherish his memory include his wife and best friend, Rebecca Smith Norwood of the home; his children, Bessie Angela Moses, Pamela Dyson Cox, Bobby Dyson and wife, Debbie, and Anita Dyson; his biological children, Tommy Norwood, Jeffrey Norwood and Sharon Norwood; grandchildren, Allan Plymale, Renata Dyson, Brandy Dyson, Adam Harris, Michael Dyson, Peyton Harris and Mack Aldridge; his sisters, Betty Jean Ramsey and husband, Junior, Dorothy Arnett, Bonnie Horney and husband, Tim; one brother, Homer Norwood and wife, Linda; and numerous nieces and nephews. Funeral services will be held at 2 p.m. Thursday, Dec. 15, 2011, in the Chapel of Heritage Funeral Service. Interment will follow in Forest Hill Cemetery The family will receive friends Thursday, Dec. 15, one hour prior to the service, from 1 until 2 p.m., at Heritage Funeral Service. Memorial gifts may be made to the family to assist with expenses, 2735 Narrow Way, Morgan-ton, NC 28655. An online guestbook and obituary are available at www.heritagefuneralservices.com. Heritage Funeral Service & Crematory of Valdese is serving the family.