U.S. Representative Charlie Norwood, Tenth District, Georgia

For immediate release: February 13, 2007

U.S. Rep. Charlie Norwood Succumbs to Cancer

(Augusta, Georgia) - U.S. Rep. Charlie Norwood (R-GA10), 65, passed away this morning at his Augusta home following an extensive battle with idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis (IPF) and non-small cell lung cancer. Norwood received a single lung transplant in 2004 as treatment for IPF, and developed non-small cell lung cancer in 2005.

Norwood represented the Augusta-to-Athens 10th congressional district since 1995, and was re-elected in November 2006 by a landslide margin.

Funeral arrangements are being handled by Thomas Poteet and Son Funeral Directors in Martinez. A schedule of public services will be announced by the 10th Congressional District office as soon as details are finalized.

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I am sure everyone has a story to tell about Charlie. When he entered a room - you always knew he was there. Bigger than life - with a great sense of humor, he was a delight to many.

One of the many memories I have - the one that stands out in my mind the most was at our annual kickoff a few years ago. Several speakers were on the schedule and I had a very tight timeline in order to give everyone an opportunity to speak. When I sent the timeline out to the respective speakers, Senator Saxby Chambliss called me and said, "I'll bet you $5.00 that you cannot keep Charlie to 12 minutes." I said okay, you're on. The day arrived and we were pretty much on schedule. Charlie took to the stage and was doing his usual great job rallying the grassroots for the upcoming election. As his 12 minutes turned into 14 minutes, I started edging toward the stage. He saw me out of the corner of his eye and said, "Well, I see Sadie coming closer to the stage so my time must be up." Then he turned to me and asked, "Did I go over my twelve minutes? Guess that means you lost your $5.00 bet with Saxby?" I thanked him for pointing out that I had taken a bet with Saxby - and lost - and thanked him for making the announcement in a church.

He was a wonderful man, Congressman and friend. He will be missed. Our prayers are with Gloria and his family.