Marion Fredie "Fred" "M. F." Norwood, Jr. -- Wedding Announcement

When M. F. Norwood died on Friday, October 27, 1989, the Norwood family and the family of God on earth lost a valuable and precious member. Brother M. F. was born into his earthly family on December 30, 1922, in the Appleton community of Lawrence County, Tennessee. At age four his family moved to Minor Hill in adjoining Giles County where he was reared. He became a member of God's family while he was young. Following high school he attended David Lipscomb University and eventually earned his bachelor's degree in 1971 from Bluefield State College in West Virginia. On September 11, 1942, he married Inez Bullington by whom he is survived. They were blessed with five children, David, Mike, Paul, Beth and Philip, as well as 14 grandchildren and one greatgrandchild. Throughout his adult life he served churches in Dayton, Withamsville and Xenia. Ohio; Limestone County, Ala.; Lawrence and Giles County, Tenn.; Jacksonville and Marion, N.C.; Arab, Ala.; Bluefield and Princeton, W.V.; and Dover, Tenn. At the time of his death he was preaching at the Hillcrest congregation in Dunmor, Ky. He and his family were missionaries to Sierra Leone, (Africa), from 1967-1969 and 1971-1973. In addition to this he held numerous gospel meetings, mission meetings, workshops, weddings and funerals. As a gospel preacher he often served in areas where the church was small and not well known. Sometimes he worked as a carpenter or a schoolteacher in order to earn a living. Wherever he worked he was always able to stimulate a sense of responsibility in people. He first pointed them to their own spiritual needs and then to serving the Lord publicly and privately. M. F. Norwood influenced many Christians to become preachers, Bible teachers and song leaders. He encouraged others to lead prayer, read scripture, serve communion, use their talents or develop new ones. A memorial service with John Dale of Murray, Ky. as speaker was held on Sunday afternoon at the Hillcrest building. His influence for good in the three years at Dunmor was evidenced by the attendance of so many from the community. In tribute brother Dale portrayed M. F. Norwood as a man dedicated to teaching Christ without headline grabbing, fanfare or jealousy. His quiet, gentle, patient spirit influenced hundreds to become servants of Christ. He was comfortable in the presence of everyone and made each person feel they were important to him -- because they were! On Monday afternoon another memorial service was held at the church building in Minor Hill, Tenn. with Tom Holland as speaker. This service had to be delayed due to the number of people who came to pay their respects. Most were not able to find a place to sit in the building. Brother Holland's message on "Departure" was appropriate for this victorious servant of God. The main text was from 2 Timothy 4:1-2, 7-8. M. F. Norwood gave his life to preaching the word of God. Burial followed in the Norwood section of the Minor Hill cemetery. M. F. Norwood's family has been overwhelmed by the number calls, cards, visits and manifestations of concern that have come since his death. In addition to many beautiful flowers there have been memorial gifts made to African Christian Schools and World Christian Broadcasting as well as several other charitable organizations. The family is certainly grateful for these kind expressions of love for M. F. -- by Mike Norwood, M. F.'s son, World Evangelist, March 1990, page 2.

Photo taken by Tom Childers, April 15, 2005