Tributes

Remembering Robert Earl….. On August 10, 1942 in Richmond, Texas, a son was born to Robert Earl Norwood, Sr. and Irene Foy Norwood. After his father went to the service, serving as one of the first Black Fighting Regiment in World War II, he was reared by his devoted grandparents, Solomon and Josie Calhoun. Robert attended the public schools of Galveston, Texas and graduated from Central High School – Class of 1962. An avid football fan, he began working at a young age and was unable to participate in sports. However he supported his children's and grandchildren's sporting activities at every opportunity. Though Robert Earl was professionally trained as a welder, his greatest gift was his mechanical mind, mastery in carpentry, and his devoted servant heart to the masses around Galveston county. By the time he was 21-years old, with no formal education, he had designed and built his first 3-bedroom home and was willing to help anyone else who needed to do the same. There was no one he would not help. Robert Earl never met a stranger. As a shipyard foreman, he became frustrated with members of his crew not showing up to work or not fully engaging in the work that was required. He went to the Salvation Army and talked to the leadership there to be able to interview and recruit his own new trainees. He helped many men transition from homelessness to home owners through his support and mentorship to help them get jobs, open bank accounts and buy their first vehicles. Above all, he had a passion for his family, especially his children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren. Robert Earl only wanted to see his kids grow up, be successful and independent. He was also a kind and constant positive influence for children in the neighborhood who did not have a father in their lives. He always maintained a relationship with the mothers of his children, his ex-wives, best friends and co-parents: Bertdell Jackson Norwood (mother of Robert Earl III and Carlette); Marie Fontentot (mother of Clifton), and Linda Charles Norwood (mother of Ramon, Sr, Patrise, Patrick and Royale), for the benefit of his children, regardless of what was needed or required. Robert Earl illustrated co-parenting long before it was in-style or a buzz-word. Dad loved to "read" the New York Times Bestsellers through Audible. He could be a news junkie with CNN and MSNBC, with his favorite news show being 60 Minutes. Robert Earl always shared an insightful perspective of today's news with yesterday's history, sharing that "...there is nothing new under the sun." On February 10, 2023 in Texas City, Texas. Robert Earl’s earthly journey was completed. He is preceded in death by his parents; step-mother, Hazel Norwood; devoted grandparents; sons, Ramon Nigelle Norwood (Kizzie) and Robert Earl Norwood, III (Theresa, deceased); and brothers, Charles Lindsey and Saul Norwood. Left to cherish memories of his life are his devoted children, Clifton Fontenot (Twana); Patrick Leon Norwood; Royale Lynn Norwood, Carlette Norwood-Williams (Craig); Patrise Norwood-Davis (Morris); his siblings, Caroline Norwood-Hall (Friendswood), Samuel Norwood (Webster), John Earl Norwood (Houston) and Michael Norwood (Pearland); dedicated friend, Junius (Lil' June) Shinette, devoted cousin, Gerald Oglesby, his best childhood friend, Ossie Lee Stoneham, who have all been just as much blessing to Robert Earl as he has been to them; 13 Grandchildren, 2 Great-grandchildren; and a host of nieces, nephews, family members and friends.