The MNRC community is saddened to learn of the passing of longtime MNRC owner-handler Fay Norwood of Tennessee.
Fay Council Norwood, 91, died peacefully at home, with her beloved dog, Sonny, at her side, on December 18, 2021. Fay was born on October 9, 1930 to Henry Marvin Council and Bessie Loyd Council. She grew up in Atlanta and earned a bachelor’s degree in Chemistry from the University of Georgia. She worked as a chemist for Tennessee Chemical Company, where she met Samuel L. Norwood III. They married in 1959 and had two children: Vicky and Sam. The family moved to the Basin in 1969 where Fay facilitated tree houses, dance and music lessons, Boy and Girl Scouts, sledding outings, bridge club events, and all things school-related.
After her children left home, Fay received her first yellow Labrador Retriever, Roux, and trained him as a hunting dog. When Roux grew older, she added JJ to the family. Fay traveled all over the US to train and enter hunting trials. She led JJ (Norwood’s Ocoee JJ) to eight passes as a Master National Hunter, placing him in the Hall of Fame. Only five dogs have successfully completed nine passes and JJ is one of three to successfully complete eight passes. After JJ’s death, Fay acquired Sonny, who has been her faithful companion for the past 12 years.
Fay was preceded in death by her parents, her husband Sam in 1981, and her son-in-law, Dr. David Kahler, in 2020. She is survived by her daughter Dr. Vicky Norwood and granddaughter Katherine Kahler, both of Charlottesville, VA; and son Sam (Elisabeth) and grandchildren Emily, Robert, and Will, of Bettendorf, IA.
The family would like to express its deep appreciation to Toshia Worley and her team for providing Fay with loving home care over the past three years.
Services were held at the First United Methodist Church of Copperhill on December 29, 2021. For those unable to attend the service, a recording will be made available on the church website. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the church or the Humane Society of Blue Ridge, GA. Condolences may be sent to the family online at www.akinsfuneralhome.com. Akins Funeral Home of Copperhill, TN was in charge of the arrangements.
