Charles "Chuck" Thomas Norwood

Charles “Chuck” Thomas Norwood, 64, passed away peacefully on Wednesday, June 28th 2017 in his home in Dacula, GA with his wife, Dianna Gates Norwood, by his side.

Funeral service will be held at Hamilton Mill United Methodist Church in Dacula, GA on Wednesday, July 5th at 11:00am.  Visitation will be held at the church prior to service at 10:00am.

Chuck was born in Fort Pierce, Florida to parents, Thomas and Betty Norwood, on July 21st 1952.  His family relocated several times, but eventually called Greensboro, GA home.  After high school, he served in the US Marine Corps and later earned his bachelor’s degree in business from UNCG.  On August 2nd 1980, Charles married the love of his life, Dianna Gates Norwood, in Hattiesburg, MS.  Two years later they welcomed their daughter Ashley.  Chuck was well known for his competitive spirit.  He enjoyed playing tennis, racquetball, golf, ping-pong, bocce ball, and many other games/sports.  He was a member of ALTA and Cannongate Golf Club.  He loved to dance and listen to music.  
Dianna said of Chuck, “One of Chuck’s greatest qualities above all – he was a GIVER.  If I had to choose one word to describe him, that’s the word I’d use.  He has done so much for so many. His doing for others was never about recognition, but rather a responsibility he felt to help others any way he could.  I told him once that he was one of the most giving individuals I’d ever met.  His response was, ‘I believe that’s what my purpose is - to help others.’  He truly believed that.”

Chuck had a very successful career in the clothing industry.  In 1978 he moved to Atlanta, GA and began his career in the apparel business with the Lee Company.  He worked as regional manager for the southeast and won salesman of the year.  In the early 1980’s he worked for Quality Mills (Cross Creek) traveling the southeast and winning several awards for his performance with the company.  He later went on to start Pleats, Inc. with longtime friend and colleague Al Miller.  In 1986, he became a member of the Men’s Apparel Club of the Carolinas, Inc.  When Overton Apparel became available for sale in 1996, he bought the company and served as President until his passing.  Over the years he built the company into a multi-million dollar business, adding brands Tiger Mountain and Cotton Brothers.  He earned the respect of the most accomplished members in the men’s specialty store business. He was proud to call high profile names such as Delta Airlines and Allen Edmonds his clients.  Several years ago, Chuck was given a request to serve on the Board of Directors for Men’s Apparel Club of the Carolinas (MAC).  He served from 2014 until his passing. In 2018, Chuck would have been nominated for Vice-President, and ultimately become President in 2020.  His most recent accolade came when Overton Apparel was named Vendor of the Year by the Northwest Buyers Association for 2016.  
Larry D. Holland, Executive Director of the Men’s Apparel Club for 45 years, stated, “Chuck was a very genuine person who never refused a request from anyone.  He was a consummate professional in his business dealings.  He always approached you with a smile on his face.  He was a gentleman extraordinaire, and we as MAC’s and his retailer friends will miss him very much.  Things will not be the same without him during the markets.”
Chuck is survived by; his spouse, Dianna Gates Norwood of Dacula, GA; his daughter, Ashley Norwood Benton and her husband, John Benton, his granddaughter, Annabelle Benton, of Brookhaven, GA; his brother, Dale Norwood, of Charleston, SC and nine nieces and nephews.  He is preceded in death by his parents and sister, Carol Loyd of Greensboro,  NC. 

In leu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to St. Jude’s Children’s Hospital and Shriner’s Children’s Hospital.