Charlie Norwood

Sadly, no more. U.S. Representative Charles Whitlow Norwood, Jr., passed away at his home in Augusta, Georgia, on February 13, 2007, after years of fighting idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis (IPF) and non-small cell lung cancer. He was initially diagnosed with IPF in 1998. A single lung transplant was performed in 2004 to counter the cancer effects. In 2005, he was treated for non-small cell lung cancer, but by November 2006 it had metastasized to his liver. This was believed to be a side effect of the immunosuppressant medications all lung transplant patients must take. Once diagnosed, Charlie declined further treatment and returned from Congress to his home in Augusta to be with his family--wife Gloria, sons Charles & Carleton, and his four grandchildren--and to be in the 10th Georgia District that had supported his so many times. He was buried by the First Baptist Church of Augusta.

Charlie Norwood was born in Valdosta, Georgia, in 1941. He attended the Baylor Military Academy in Chattanooga, Tennessee, where, in an unfortunate accident, he shot and killed a close friend while playing quick-draw with what they thought was an unloaded pistol.

He married in 1962 while at Georgia Southern College before receiving his dental degree from Georgetown University in Washington, DC, where he was Class President. In 1968, Charlie served a combat tour for the Army in Viet Nam, earning two Bronze Stars.

In 1994, like many of us disgusted with government, Charlie rose to run as a Republican against incumbent Don Johnson to become the first Republican elected from that Georgia District since the post-Civil War Era. His dry wit and frank language made him a Congressional character.

Charlie never forgot his dental roots. He was always at many dental functions and ADA meetings. He was a PFA Fellow and proud of it. Charlie was the point man for our dental legislation.

But most importantly, he never forgot what brought him to Congress to begin with--to work for ''common sense'' government. Keeping this goal always in mind, he appealed to many people across party lines, even from beyond his district, even beyond his state. His common sense government philosophy provided sharp words not only for his opponents but also for his colleagues who betrayed their responsibilities. He prided himself on being able to cut through the red tape of federal regulations. His passion was for a ''Patient's Bill of Rights.'' He had the same disgusted feelings we have and took insurance companies to task. Most recently he was focused on the ''true invasion'' in the case of immigration. He voted against renewing the Voting Rights Act last year. In every case, when you asked him, Congressman Norwood had a good reason for his feelings, and was not afraid to tell you them. He was a good people person. He was honest in his dealings and in his representation in Congress. He really represented us all. And we knew it.

There was talk about him running for Governor, and then recently for Senator, but his cancer halted such aspirations. For over a decade, he fought stiff competition from Democratic opponents. They even redistricted his area to try to cut back his voter support. But, as short-sighted as his enemies were, they did not realize that an honest man is known everywhere, regardless of party. And Charlie was re-elected every time.

But in sadness, what the Democrats in Georgia could not do to our Charlie Norwood, time and cancer did. May we all remember such a good man when we are sorely tempted. He was a dentist.

The Memorial

The ADA Foundation has established a Charles Norwood Memorial Fund to accept contributions that will be used to support dental student scholarships at the Medical College of Georgia in his name. Memorial gifts will be acknowledged by the ADA and the family. They should be sent to the ADA Foundation, 75 Remittance Drive, Suite #1178, Chicago, IL, 60675-1178. Make checks payable to the ADA Foundation and include the note "Norwood Memorial."

The late Congressman's seat (10th Georgia Congressional District) is up for special election on June 19, 2007. Congressman Norwood's Office is currently under the direction of the Clerk of the U.S. House of Representatives.