Terry Wayne Norwood, 65, passed away peacefully on January 30, 2023, in the loving care of his family at his home in Ocala, FL.
Terry was born in Kansas City, MO, on June 11, 1957, to George and Jaunita (Melrose) Norwood. He graduated in 1975 from Lee’s Summit High School in Lee’s Summit, MO. He earned his Bachelor of Science degree in Industrial Safety and Hygiene from University of Central Missouri and his MBA from Lake Erie College in Ohio. He also obtained his Associate in Risk Management (ARM) designation.
Terry married Robin Maymon on April 18, 1981, in Indianapolis, IN, and they had three children: Travis, Trent and Cara. The family moved across the country several times as Terry’s career advanced, making new friends and memories along the way. While busy raising their family, Terry and Robin maintained a strong commitment to their church, the Community of Christ, taking on various leadership roles at each location. They directed and taught at many youth camps in several states where they lived. Terry held the office of High Priest and was the officiant at many funerals and weddings.
Terry’s career in risk management encompassed working with both public and private enterprises. His experience in risk and insurance pool management took him to North Carolina, California and the Midwest. He participated on the boards of both CaJPA and AGRIP. Terry was the President and CEO of Midwest Public Risk in Independence, MO, for 16 years before moving to Florida in 2022 to become the Director of Risk and Benefits for Marion County Public Schools. He had recently left that position for health reasons.
Terry was a lifelong Kansas City Royals and Kansas City Chiefs fan and the night before he died, his Chiefs clinched a trip to the Super Bowl. While usually possessing a calm demeanor, Terry was a fierce competitor on his high school and university tennis teams. He enjoyed the game throughout his life, and maintained that competitive spirit in later years, even when his opponent was one of his own children.
He thoroughly enjoyed visiting with friends, reminiscing and telling stories that were generously sprinkled with humor and wisdom. His ability to draw his audience into his stories is also what made him a sought-after speaker from the pulpit. Terry spent quiet time reading and his favorite author was Henri Nouwen. Terry was also an avid collector of matchbook covers, amassing a collection of over 85,000 unique covers.
Terry and his family enjoyed traveling, whether it was within the United States, a trans-continental cruise, or one of several trips to Japan to visit their sons’ families. Of all the places he traveled, Terry most loved being surrounded by the majestic redwoods of the Redwood National Park, Kings Canyon National Park and Sequoia National Park in California.
Terry was predeceased by his parents George and Jaunita Norwood, sister Kristy, who died in early childhood in 1952, and father-in-law Irvin “Jake” Maymon.
He is survived by his wife of 41 years, Robin Norwood of Ocala, FL; son Travis (Miyuki) Norwood of Kitaibaraki, Japan and their children Emma and Trey; son Trent (Yukiko) Norwood of Toda, Japan, and their children Claire and George; and daughter Cara Norwood of Florida. He is also survived by his older brother Scott (Allison) Norwood of Warrensburg, MO; mother-in-law Rosaline Maymon, brother-in-law Scott (Tracy) Maymon, sister-in-law Amy (Kevin) Sobiski, all of Indiana and four nieces and three nephews. Terry will also be greatly missed by his many friends and work colleagues across the country.
A celebration of life will be held at a later date. For anyone considering a donation in Terry’s name, the family suggests the American Heart Association or the American Stroke Foundation.