Randolph, "RC" Norris

RC Norris, 92, passed away on October 29, 2019 from injuries sustained in a fire at his home at Dusty’s Landing in Portage Lakes, Ohio.  He was born February 21, 1927 in Akron and a proud graduate of West High School class of 1945.  His love for the Portage Lakes began at an early age, when as a Boy Scout for Troop 32, he spent time in the lakes canoeing and camping.  As an adult, he came to the Portage Lakes frequently with his family to boat and spend time at the “Riviera Yacht Club”.

A veteran of World War II, he was assigned administrative duties as a clerk/typist.  He was discharged in 1946 and often remarked that he had the honor of typing up his own discharge papers.  After returning to Ohio, he graduated from Youngstown State in 1949 with a degree in business.  He then went on to obtain a law degree from the University of Akron where he graduated at the top of his class in 1953.

A prominent personal injury lawyer, Randy began his legal career working for A.P. Feldman and went on to establish the law firm of Norris, Montgomery and Mills.  In 1970, he co-founded the law firm of Blakemore, Rose, Miller and Norris.  Over the course of his practice, Randy became known as one of the best trial lawyers in the State of Ohio.  He was a tenacious advocate and a brilliant orator.  His last career move was to Portage Lakes in 1982 where he and his daughter, Andrea L. Norris, set up the law firm of Norris & Norris.  Randy was a founding member of the Ohio Academy of Trial Lawyers, where he served as president in 1962.

Later in his life, RC kept busy with his second “career” renovating Dusty’s Landing and immersing himself in the Portage Lakes Community.  RC purchased Dusty’s Landing in 1984 and over the years developed the property with his son, Mark, into a marina, a yacht club, rental properties and homes for himself and his children.  He was one of the founders of the Portage Lakes Fireworks Association, today one of the largest privately funded fourth of July fireworks displays in the State of Ohio. 

A resident historian of Portage Lakes, his knowledge of the lakes and its history was unsurpassed.  RC was best known for his storytelling and was affectionately called “the Mark Twain” of the Portage Lakes.  He kept a collection in his home of memorabilia, notes and articles on a wide range of topics and he was known to deliver or mail information that he thought would be of interest to you.

Randy was preceded in death by his parents, Randolph C. and Estella (Dyne) Norris and his brothers, Robert and John Norris.  He is survived by his sons, Randy and Mark (Francie) Norris, daughters Gail (Michael) Sparks, Andrea (Richard Lowry) Norris; grandchildren, Hannah and Randy Norris, Andrew Norris and Matthew Shannon; as well as nieces, nephews, and many, many friends.

A private burial has taken place at Rose Hill Burial Park.  A celebration of a great life lived will take place at a later date.  Memorial contributions can be made in RC’s name to the PLFA, Portage Lakes Fireworks Association, PO Box 26923, Akron, Ohio 44319 or to the Akron Rotary Camp Children with Special Needs, Inc., 4460 Rex Lake Drive, Akron, Ohio 44319.

When you think of Randy, picture him sitting at the bar at Dusty’s Yacht Club, beverage in hand, sharing a story or two or three… and know that through his family, friends and community, HIS story will live on forever.

SCHERMESSER
(330) 899-9107
www.schermesserfh.com

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