Glenn E. Norwood, 91, World War II veteran, husband, father and teacher, died of a massive stroke Dec. 27, 2016, while in hospice care.

Glenn was born in Mathiston, MS, the oldest of five children. As all boys did at that time, he dropped out of high school at 16 to serve his country in the South Pacific as a member of the United States 13th Army Air Corps. He may have fudged on his age a bit. When he returned home, he was 19 and still could not vote. His father withheld Glenn’s welcome home until he told him that he would be going back to high school the next month.

Glenn always sang the praises of the G.I. Bill, which allowed him to get a Bachelor’s degree at Delta State University. He later earned a master’s degree at Ole Miss. As a result, he touched the lives of thousands of boys and girls as a teacher, coach and principal. He still had former students in their 80’s who loved him and sat with him during his illness. He retired as Superintendent of Leflore County Schools.

Glenn was loved by his wife of 32 years, Linda Lemley Norwood. He was a man of great patience and made sure that his children were started on the right path. His children are Glenn Norwood of Memphis, Tennessee, Linda Waggoner of Daphne, Alabama, Joe Norwood of Salt Lake City, Utah, Lisa Notestone of Daytona Beach, Florida and Lee Notestone of Oxford. He will also be missed by his two adult grandchildren, two grandchildren that he had yet to meet and three great-grandchildren. Glenn is also survived by his only sister, Elaine McMinn of Sturgis, MS.

Glenn recently completed an oral history for the Museum of the Pacific in Fredericksburg, TX and earlier took the Honor Flight, where all the veterans were treated like royalty.

Not wanting a traditional funeral service, he elected to be cremated and buried in Spring Valley Cemetery in Mathiston, MS. A celebration of his life or as he liked to call it, a “Goodbye Party”, will be held in West Hall at Waller Funeral Home on Dec. 30, 2016, from 2-4 p.m. All friends, family and students are urged to come reminisce and say goodbye.

Memorial contributions in Mr. Norwood’s memory may be made to one of his two favorite charities: Oxford Medical Ministries, 205 Commerce Drive, Oxford, MS 38655 or French Camp Academy, One Fine Place, French Camp, MS 39745-9989.