Sam O'Neal Norwood, formerly known as 'Sammie Joe O'Neal', was born on April 11, 1939 to Mary Alice O'Neal and Sam Tolliver. Their beloved son was delivered in a cotton field on "Mr. Cooper's Plantation" in Itta Bena, Mississippi according to Sam's birth certificate. From a very young age, Sam had a deep faith in Jesus Christ and considered Him his Lord and Savior.

Due to a health condition in his early years, Sam was in part raised by his "Guide Parents" - his Aunt Bessie (Tolliver) Gauldin, Uncle Wastey Rozell Gauldin, and grandmother, Ada (Oliver) Patterson in Itta Bena, Chicago, Illinois and Gary, Indiana. Their love and support helped shape him into the incredible person he became.

During the Great Migration, Sam's mother, Mary Alice, moved to St. Louis, Missouri along with Sam's older sister, Virgie, and younger brother, Paul, in 1947 to find work and to have a better life. That same year, Sam joined his mother and siblings in St. Louis.

Sam held his mother in the highest regard. Adhering to her advice to learn a trade, he attended Hadley Technical High School, where he excelled in his studies, basketball, student council, and other activities such as choir, track, and one year of football. He lettered 2 years in basketball and served as team captain. He also received the "Outstanding Player of the Year" his senior year in basketball. Sam was popular among his peers, being voted "Most Popular" by his classmates. In 1957, he graduated from Hadley Technical High School.

Sam was determined to help purchase a home for his mother. After struggling to find work in St. Louis after high school, he moved to Gary, and began working for U.S. Steel. Quickly rising through the ranks, Sam became a crane operator. After financially assisting his mother, he quickly realized that factory work was not his true calling.

In 1961, Sam joined the U.S. Air Force, serving his country with honor and dedication until 1965. During the Vietnam War, he was stationed in Greenland at Thule Air Force Base. It was during his time there that Sam found solace and joy in playing basketball for the base's team. The team's success in the inter-base championship provided Sam and his teammates with a much-needed escape from the harsh darkness and cold of Greenland.

Shortly after his honorable discharge from the Air Force, Sam met Vivian Delores May in Chicago. Sam and Vivian were married in South Bend, Indiana, and from this union they were blessed with three sons: Anthony R. Norwood, Paul E. Norwood II, and Jason T. Norwood. In 2022, he was joyfully united with his eldest daughter, Tracy A. Scott.

Sam's passion for education led him to walk onto the campus of Notre Dame in South Bend and request admission. He was enrolled at Holy Cross College, where he excelled in liberal arts classes before receiving a scholarship to the University of Notre Dame. In 1972, Sam graduated with a Bachelor of Science degree in Business Management and Marketing from Notre Dame. His thirst for knowledge continued, and in 1980, he pursued and achieved an MBA in Investment and Banking from the Graduate School of Banking at the University of Wisconsin-Madison.

In Fort Wayne, Indiana, Sam embarked on a fulfilling career in banking and finance, working for Fort Wayne National Bank, Lincoln National Bank, and Lincoln Financial. His exemplary work ethic and commitment to excellence allowed him to develop strong and enduring relationships within the community. In addition to his professional occupation, Sam held leadership positions in numerous nonprofit organizations, including Big Brothers Big Sisters of America, the Urban League, and in several committees associated with his church.

Sam treasured his role as a father, grandfather, uncle, and friend. He cherished the time he spent with his family creating precious memories that will be passed down through generations.

In the early morning hours of Friday, May 3, 2024, Sam peacefully passed away in the loving care of his sons. He was preceded in death by his Guide Parents, Watsey R. Gauldin and Bessie Gauldin; his father Sam Tolliver; his mother Mary Alice O'Neal; his brother Paul E. Norwood; his sister Virgie (Norwood) Stewart; and his youngest son, Jason T. Norwood.

Sam will be fondly remembered and forever cherished by his daughter, Tracy A. Scott, and his two sons, Anthony R. Norwood (Yvette Mendez-Norwood) and Paul E. Norwood II. He also leaves behind six beloved grandchildren: Amaris Norwood, Sylvia Wilson, Arden Norwood, Aliza Norwood, Jason Norwood, and Paul Norwood III. Additionally, he is survived by a nephew, nieces, grandnieces and grandnephews, his dear friend and "brother," Jim M. Peeler Jr., and an extensive network of relatives and friends.

Sam O'Neal Norwood's legacy of faith, resilience, and love for family will forever be etched on the hearts of those who knew him.

Funeral service 1:00pm, Saturday, May 25, 2024 at Covington Memorial Funeral Home with burial in Covington Memorial Gardens.