Charles Ronald "Ron" Norwood, 87, of Eden, passed away on July 6, 2026, following a brief stay at Gibson House, part of Ancora Compassionate Care in Wentworth.

Ron leaves behind a loving family who will forever cherish his memory. He is survived by his three children: Chip (Ruthie) Norwood of Boone, NC; John (Nancy) Norwood of Ruffin, NC; and Melissa Lynn (Paul) Stephenson of Colorado Springs, CO. He was a devoted Granddaddy to four grandchildren: Amy Norwood of Pensacola, FL; John Richard (Kristen) Norwood of Ruffin, NC; Lorrie (Matt) Ellington of Reidsville, NC; and Rachel (Aaron) Kiel of Kannapolis, NC. He was also a beloved step-grandfather to Joshua (Rachelle) Stephenson of Colorado Springs, CO; Jessica (Matt) McCloskey of Canyon, TX; Jordan (Haley) Stephenson of Waxahachie, TX; and Jenah (Preston) Jameson of Celina, TX. His legacy continued through his great-grandchildren.

Ron graduated from Reynolds High School in Winston-Salem in 1958 before attending Wake Forest University on a track and cross-country scholarship. He later transferred to Guilford College, where he and Jane Coltrane began a lifelong journey together. They were married at New Garden Friends Meeting in August 1962, beginning a devoted partnership rooted in love, faith, and unwavering commitment that endured for more than six decades.

A lifelong Quaker, Ron lived his faith through humble service and compassionate leadership. He served as a pastoral minister at Liberty Friends Meeting and Mt. Airy Friends Meeting before relocating to Leaksville (now Eden) in 1965 to begin his work with the Spray YMCA. Together, Ron and Jane helped establish Rockingham Preparative Friends Meeting in Wentworth as an affiliate of New Garden Friends Meeting, creating a lasting foundation for worship and fellowship in the community.

Ron devoted his life to serving others and strengthening Rockingham County through both his profession and countless civic endeavors. He served in leadership roles with the Eden Jaycees, the Rockingham County Opportunity Center, the North Carolina Area Mental Health Board, the Eden Planning and Zoning Committee, the Eden City Council, and the Kiwanis Club. During his years with the Eden Jaycees, he helped establish Eden's cherished Old-Fashioned Fourth of July Celebration, a tradition that has brought the community together for generations. Through his later involvement with Kiwanis, he continued helping ensure the celebration's success year after year. Even in his final days, he was asking about plans for the upcoming Fourth of July celebration—a testament to the servant's heart and enduring commitment that defined his life.

Beyond his dedication to family, faith, and community, Ron had a lifelong passion for photography and was an avid collector of Argus cameras. In 1997, he co-founded the Argus Collectors Group, which began as a mailing-list forum where enthusiasts shared knowledge and discussed Argus cameras and accessories. The group later established an annual gathering in Eden that brought collectors from across the country together for fellowship and photography with their vintage equipment. Ron also co-authored Argus: Fine American Cameras, a comprehensive history of the Argus Camera Company and its iconic products. His expertise and enthusiasm earned him the respect and friendship of collectors throughout the world.

Ron will be remembered as a man of deep faith and integrity. Whether mentoring young people, encouraging friends, serving his church, or working to improve his community, he lived with generosity, purpose, and compassion. His greatest legacy is found not only in the organizations he served but in the countless lives he touched through his example.

The family extends their heartfelt gratitude to the compassionate staff of Brookdale Eden and Gibson House for the exceptional care, kindness, and support they provided to Ron throughout his time with them.

A private burial will be held at New Garden Cemetery, where Ron will be laid to rest beside his beloved wife, Jane.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to Ancora Compassionate Care, Friends Homes Guilford, or a charity of one's choice.