Richard James Norwood
Richard James Norwood (Coach Norwood) passed away on May 29, 2022 in McAllen, TX, with his children Jason and Heather by his side. Richard was born in Dallas, TX, on July 3, 1945, to Iva Jean Reddell and Grover Norwood. Later, Iva Jean married Richard’s step father, Bill Termin and the family moved to Forney in the summer of 1960. Richard excelled in sports at Forney High School - football, basketball, baseball and track/ field, winning all-district and numerous other awards. After high school, Richard earned a football scholarship to Arlington State College (now University of Texas at Arlington). He played football there five years, was selected as a team captain his senior year, and played in the Pecan Bowl, then located in Abilene, TX. He graduated from ASC with a BA degree in History in 1968.
Richard’s passion was coaching high school football and, after college graduation, he moved up to high school coaching positionsin Stephenville with then head coach and athletic director Johnnie Henderson, Sr., North Mesquite High School, Forney High School and lastly, Rockwall High School. Following his coaching career, he moved into the insurance sales and insurance claims adjusting world and excelled at those new responsibilities for many years until he retired. Richard enjoyed helping young people get started on a career, and he was always willing and eager to mentor, guide, and/ or counsel others just starting a new venture whether related to sports, insurance, or other personal issues.
Richard and Sue Ella Pinson dated throughout high school and got married while both were attending college. They were married for 28 years. Richard taught school (History), coached, and sold insurance. Sue taught elementary school in Rockwall ISD for many years before retiring and moving to Denver, CO, in 2021. While living in Rockwall, Richard and Sue were active in the community, playedgolf, snow skied, traveled, and were active members of the Rockwall United MethodistChurch.Richard was predeceased by his mother, Iva Jean Termin, step-father, Bill Termin, older brother, Earl Norwood, and younger sister, Sue Titsworth.
He is sur vived by his son, Jason Norwood and wife, Maria, of South Padre Island, TX, and daughter Heather Hoskinson and husband, Philip, of Centennial, CO. Also survived by his brothers Robert Norwood and Billy Termin and sister Linda Gills. Last but not least, Richard is survived by three grandchildren, Griffin, Sailor and Phoenix, all three of which he absolutely adored.
An intimate celebration of life was held in Richard’s honor by his children on South Padre Island on June 7, 2022. Richard was a devoted father, fun-loving guy, friend to many, and a gregarious story teller. He will be deeply missed by his family, friends, and the young men he coached.