Randolph Harrison ("Randy") Norton

Randolph Harrison Norton ("Randy") loving husband, father, grandfather, great -grandfather passed away Aug. 5, 2016, at his home with his large family close by. He was pre-deceased by three daughters, Katherine Suzanne, 1962; Jean Theresa,1971; Natalie Kim, 2011. Born March 19, 1939, Randy was adopted by James Harrison Norton and Elizabeth Hedge Norton of Gainesville, Florida, in June,1939. Raised in Gainesville he graduated from P.K. Younge and while a Junior, served as a Capital Page for the Honorable D.R. "Billy" Matthews, U.S. House of Rep. in Washington, D.C. He married his childhood sweetheart and life's partner, Isabel Meldrum Scott in 1957. He graduated from the University of Florida with a BA of Science in Journalism in 1962,and in 1982, after review by the U of F was also awarded a BA of Science in Public Relations. During his years at the University of Florida, he, like his father, joined Pi Kappa Alpha Fraternity and was especially honored to receive the membership pin owned and personally presented by Dr. U.S. "Preacher" Gordon, national Pi Kappa Alpha Chaplain and family friend. Upon college graduation, Randy was employed by Lehigh Cement Co and was happy to play a part in Florida's building boom of the ‘60's and '70's. One of his many responsibilities were to oversee the construction of the launch pads at the Kennedy Space Center. Randy then spent 5 years in Macon, Ga. working for Medusa Cement Co. While there, he lead the formulation of a Midget Football program within the Macon County Recreational Dept. that grew from 75 participants to over 500 boys benefiting from the "every player plays in every game" program. Moving to Sarasota in 1973, he joined the family business, Scott Plastics, Co. (later renamed Scott Sign Systems, Inc.) which was started in 1958, by Isabel Robertson and Frederick Judson Scott. He served as Vice President of Sales until 1978 when he became President. During his leadership, the company grew to a world-wide supplier of interior signage. A role on the Board of Directors of the National Association of Display Industries began in 1983 with service as President of that organization from 1990-1992. Scott Sign Systems was sold in 1998 and Randy spent his retirement enjoying world travel with his family and friends and being the greatest possible source of encouragement for all family members. He is survived by Isabel, his wife of 59 &1/2 years; his son, Randolph Marshall (wife Allison); Judson (wife Keri), Trevor and Brooks Norton; Daughter, Leslie Isabel Norton Drinkwater; Mallory, Harrison, and Jenna Drinkwater; and Natalie's children, Noah (wife, Stephanie and daughter, Natalie) Asa, Ariel, Jesse, Eden, and Sadie Lipman. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Norton Family Scholarship Fund at Ringling College of Art & Design, Sarasota, FL, or to your charity of choice. A Celebration of Life will be held at Mote Marine Keating Education Center, Sat. August 13, at 5:30PM. In keeping with his retirement mode and in his honor, casual dress and no ties for gentlemen.

Tributes

Randolph Harrison ("Randy") Norton

March 19, 1939 - August 5, 2016