Marcus HowardNorwood

 Marcus Howard Norwood passed away peacefully in Austin on March 23, 2010, at the age of 77 following an arduous battle with cancer.
Mark was born in Greenville on Sept. 14, 1932, the youngest of four children born to H.O. and Bess Norwood. He graduated with the Greenville High School class of '49 and attended East Texas State, graduating with highest academic honors with both a bachelor's and master's degrees completed in 1953. Following ROTC he served in the U.S. Air Force for two years in the Boston, Mass., area. At Rice University he earned a second master's degree and a Ph.D. in physics in 1960. He had a distinguished career in the semi-conductor industry, working with Texas Instruments., TRW and Intel. He was a director of the World Semiconductor Trade Statistics group for six years following retirement from Intel, working internationally with many large companies.
Mark was an avid tennis player, lettering in both high school and college. Throughout his life he was constantly on the go, traveling extensively throughout the U.S. and worldwide. He took great pride in his participation with his sons in scouting, helping both to achieve Eagle Scout, and backpacking mountains and canyons of the West. He later single-mindedly pursued the goal of visiting as many countries and possessions as possible. With Carolyn, he traveled to 232 of 319 potential locations identified by the Traveler's Century Club.
He was financially supportive to many individuals later in his life, especially regarding education costs. This has encouraged not only family members, but others to better their lives through knowledge. His greatest joy was being around and bragging about his four grandchildren.
Mark is survived by his wife of 55 years, Carolyn Shepherd Norwood of Austin (Greenville High class of '54); their two sons, Stephen Norwood and wife Cynthia of Austin and David Norwood and wife Sofia of Campbell, Calif.; grandchildren Stephanie (21), Nicole (16), John (8) and Kristine (4); sister Lila Clark of Schulenburg; brother James Norwood of Corpus Christi and beloved nieces and nephews.
He was predeceased by his parents and a sister, Mary Alice Harris.
Mark's life was full "with no regrets." He believed in education, hard work and persistence. He was a member of Lakeway Church in Austin and found great comfort in his trust of the Lord Jesus Christ, especially at the end of his life. He enjoyed the wonderful blessings of family and friends for which he was always most thankful.
A memorial service is scheduled at 2 p.m. Saturday at Coker-Mathews Funeral Home followed by burial at Memoryland Memorial Park.
Visitation will be from 12:30 p.m. until service time Saturday at the funeral home.