APPLETON — Earl “Rodney” Norwood Jr., 98, of Appleton, Maine, passed away peacefully at the Maine Veterans Home of Bangor. His three daughters were present at the time of his passing.

Rodney was born on March 25,1925 to Earl R. Norwood, Sr. and Lura B. (Simmons) Norwood in Hope, Maine. 

Rodney grew up in Hope and attended Hope grammar school and Camden High School. He started driving a truck at age nine making deliveries for his father and mothers farm produce/butcher business. At 16 years of age he purchased the “Paul Farm” in Appleton, Maine. He met his beloved wife on the Norwood Family blueberry farm in Hope. They were married on March 10, 1945 and made the Paul Farm their permanent residence. 6 weeks after they were married he was to report for duty in the Army and served in Germany during WWII. During his tour of duty he was a truck driver as well as performing other service connected duties. He ended up being separated from his new bride for 19 months.

In 1953 the Paul Farm was destroyed by fire. Rodney and Marian with the assistance of family and friends rebuilt the homestead where they raised a family of 4 children...Earl, Jeannie, Deborah and Bonnie.

Along with raising 42,000 chickens he had an array of other jobs such as road commissioner of Appleton, contractor putting in septic systems, foundations, roads and a carpenter, the list goes on and on. He was a jack of all trades. He raised squash and beans to send to the market. His last year in the squash business he hauled to market over 300 ton.  

He was in a bowling league up into his 90s. He looked forward to his fishing/hunting trips “up back” with his great friends. He and Marian enjoyed traveling to different destinations around the US as well as overseas. 

Many remember him as the guy with the tractor who screened the pulling ring at Union Fair. He and Marian loved going to country fairs. For 40 plus years they enjoyed camping at Fryeburg Fair for the entire week.

He is a member of the Pioneer Grange in East Union.

Rodney was a frequent flyer at all the local diners as well as Mic Mac Market. He looked forward to getting hugs from all the waitresses as well as the clientele. He had a great memory and shared his incredible true-life stories to all who would listen. His life was so full with such great memories. His family hopes all will share more at his “Time of Remembrance” on June 10, 2023. 

Rodney was predeceased by his loving wife of 72 years, Marian; 4 sisters, Justine Campbell, Ruth Pottle, Esther Bhaer and Vera Dyer; and his son “Earl” Rodney Norwood III.

He is survived by his daughters Jeannie Carson and her husband Reed of Etna, Maine, Deborah Evans and her husband Kenneth of Moore Haven, Florida and Bonnie Deane and her husband Randy of Appleton, Maine: sister Gwendolyn Brodis of Hope; 9 grandchildren and 12 1/2 great grandchildren (Watson is on his way) and one great great grandchild plus numerous nieces, nephews and cousins. 

There will be a time of visitation for family and friends on Saturday, April 1, 2023, from 5-7 p.m., at Hall Funeral Homes, 949 Main Street, Waldoboro, Maine.

A graveside service will be held on Saturday, June 10, 2023, at 10:30 a.m., at the Pine Grove Cemetery in Appleton, followed by a potluck and “Time of Remembrance”...the time and place is to be announced.

In lieu of flowers donations can be made to the Union Ambulance Services, Common Road, P.O Box 186 Union, Maine 04862.

Hall’s of Waldoboro has care of the arrangements. To extend online condolences please visit his Book of Memories at www.hallfuneralhomes.com.