Nelson Major Norwood, Sr.

Nelson Major Norwood, Sr., passed away peacefully on September 25, 2025. Nelson’s journey began on March 18, 1938, and eventually concluded, as it began, in his beloved hometown of Hendersonville, NC.

Nelson grew up in Hendersonville, where he was a caddie at Hendersonville CC, and he was part of the founding of Hendersonville High School’s first golf team. He later went on to serve his country as a proud member of the United States Army stationed in Germany.

After his service, Nelson’s continued his love for the game of golf and eventually saw him compete on the PGA Tour. He was also a proud member of the PGA of America for 65 years. His commitment to the game inspired countless others as he operated the Pro Shop at Bunker Hill Golf Course in Dubuque, Iowa, where he was a teaching Pro.

In 1975, Nelson’s entrepreneurial spirit brought him back to Hendersonville, where he built Lost Diamond Valley CC, allowing him to make golf affordable to the common man until the day he retired.

Nelson was preceded in death by his parents, Major Nelson Norwood and Margaret Fisher Norwood, along with his siblings, Mack Norwood and Carolyn Norwood Mace.

His memory will forever be cherished by those who survive him, including his son, Nelson Major Norwood, Jr., his nieces and nephews, and his close friends David and Lisa Hill, Ricky Black, Don “Z” Zimmer, Gary Harjhausen, and Hubert Barnwell.

Nelson was known as a “straight shooter”. He leaves behind a legacy of a life marked by his values of integrity, hard work, and frugality. Though he is no longer with us, his influence will continue to resonate in the lives he touched and in the values he championed. He will be missed. Shuler Funeral Home has the honor of serving the family.