Norwood Jones, who became the first storekeeper – or manager – at the Old Country Store, passed away, Saturday.

He was 90 years old.

Originally from Jackson, Norwood was living in Memphis when childhood friend Reggie Smith asked him if he would like to return home and work at the business that opened April 24, 1965, at 514 Poplar St. – better known to locals as the corner of the U.S. Highway and Airways Boulevard, today.

Reggie Smith, who owned Town & Country Inc., Realtors, became co-owner of the store with founder Brooks Shaw.

Norwood worked his way into an ownership position at the Old Country Store, which moved to Casey Jones Village, at 56 Casey Jones Lane, in 1978.

Norwood also constructed a cross with bricks he and friends collected from around the world on property he owned between U.S. Highway 412 and Old Bells Highway.

The Cross was dedicated Dec. 17, 2017.

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(PHOTO: Norwood Jones, right, with lifelong friend Reggie Smith)