Norwood, Leroy

Leroy Norwood, a native of Chattanooga, Tennessee, was born on July 10, 1941, to Charlie and Lola Norwood. He was the youngest of eight children. On Monday, April 19, 2021, at his residence, surrounded by family, he departed this earthly life at the age of 79. 

He was a member of Howard High School, class of 1959, and retired from Chattanooga Fire Department after 28 years of service. He began a career with the City of Chattanooga in 1968 in the Department of Public Works. He was said to have been the sharpest dressed crew worker in the ditch. He later became a firefighter with the Chattanooga Fire Department, moving up the ranks and retiring in 1998 as a fire captain.

 

He joined the International Association of Black Professional Firefighters (IABPFF) in 1973 and was one of the founding members of the local chapter, Brothers United. He was president of Brothers United for 17 years. He was later elected to the position of Southeast Regional Director of the IABPFF and held that position for more than 10 years before stepping down.

 

Norwood was a member of the first graduating class of the Carl Holmes’ Executive Development Institute (EDI) at Florida A&M University in Tallahassee, Florida. Soon after graduating, he joined the board. He served on the board for 26 years and established the Logistics Team for EDI at Dillard University in New Orleans, La.  

 

Norwood helped scout and develop men and women for fire service all over the nation. After retirement, he briefly worked at Sam’s Club. He also ran a local business, T-Roy’s, in East Chattanooga.

 

He was preceded in death by his parents; five brothers; and two sisters.  

Cherishing his memories include his children, Gerald (Marguerite) Norwood, Chester Walton, III, Terrance Derrick, and Shea (Wayne) Jefferson; devoted children’s mother, Sandra Norwood; devoted niece, Carolyn Sims; devoted sister-in-law, Gwendolyn Norwood; grandchildren; great-grandchildren; a host of loving nieces, nephews, cousins, other relatives, and friends.