“That slender thread of life by which we were tied to Paul Coverdell is now broken. But the wisdom, the generosity, the civility, the patriotism and the dedication that he brought to this Congress will never die. [We should preserve his legacy] by picking up the fallen banner of Paul Coverdell and carrying it through to victory.”

A soldier, a healer and a public servant, Dr. Norwood never let Washington take the Georgia out of him. He was kind, humble and carried his passion for Georgia values proudly. That is how I will always remember him.

For such a good person to be asked to fight not one, but two horrific diseases like cancer and pulmonary fibrosis is a terrible burden.

I can imagine that while his family mourns his loss, they take solace in the fact that they were able to say goodbye to him while he was still alive. I am sure all of us agree that he is without pain and in a better place right now.

Funeral arrangements are being handled by Thomas Poteet and Son Funeral Directors in Martinez. A schedule of public services will be announced by the 10th Congressional District office as soon as details are finalized.

My thoughts and prayers go out to his family now. Charlie is in a better place.

The sad news today regarding the passing of Congressman Charlie Norwood gives us the chance to pause and reflect on the great life of this humble servant.

Charlie Norwood was the first candidate I volunteered for when, in 1994, he was trying to win a seat in Congress and I was just a freshman at the University of Georgia. The lessons I learned in that campaign are ones that I still carry with me today.

His service, first as a dentist, then as a legislator, showed his passion for the wellbeing of the people around him. He was a man who stood on principle and belief with an unwavering commitment to the values and issues he held dear. Even during his last hours in Congress, he did not give up on his dream of a better healthcare system for all Americans.

Even if we were to forget the bills he worked on and fought for, we will never forget the life he led. Charlie never grasped for the spotlight, but through quiet determination, he persuaded those to share the dreams and visions he had.

As Young Republicans, we thank Gloria Norwood and the entire family for sharing Charlie with us for this short time. I pray that our Heavenly Father will bless and strengthen the Norwood family through this time of sorrow.

God bless you,

Jason Shepherd
Chairman, GFYRC

As a Democrat, Augusta native and current Athens resident, I disagreed with the man on more things than not. But he was a good and honorable man who dedicated his life to public service and to serving his constituents to the best of his ability. We all should be so lucky to have lived such a full and rewarding life.

Our thoughts and prayers are with his family.

We may have been on opposite ends of the political spectrum, but I have no doubt that Norwood put the interests of his constituents, his state, and his country first.