Douglas Norris

Douglas "Doug" Arthur Norris, 73, of Akron, passed away on January 6, 2026, just two weeks after the passing of his beloved wife of 28 years Nancy (nee Rice) Norris. He was born April 25, 1952 in Cleveland, Ohio. Growing up as an older brother to three sisters, Doug often reminisced about his many childhood memories with his family and visiting his grandparents' farm, where he developed his love for the outdoors. Doug studied computer science at Bowling Green State University where he received a Bachelor's of Science degree. He spent his professional career at AT&T that included working as a telecommunications manager supporting computer and phone hardware and software across the predecessor AT&T companies of Ohio Bell, Ameritech, and SBC Communications. After retirement from AT&T, he worked in a variety of roles that catered to his interests from supporting the IT operations of a local investment firm to feeding his love of dark roast coffee as a roaster at Pearle Coffee. He was also a member of The Bath United Church of Christ where he enjoyed listening to Nancy sing in the choir and supporting a variety of church activities.

Doug had a life=long passion for and enjoyed many outdoor and family activities including camping, fishing, canoeing, and long walks throughout the Cleveland Metroparks. In his later retirement years, you could also find Doug tending to his staggering assortment of homegrown raspberry bushes and tomato plants. He was a beloved 'Papa' to his many grandchildren with whom he shared his love of fishing, catching frogs and turtles, playing mini-hockey, board games, and simply laughing and being goofy. He and his wife Nancy were avid domestic and international travelers, often traveling to visit with family to watch their grand-children and extended family perform in various sporting events and theater productions. He is fondly remembered by those who knew him best for his easy-going, kind nature and his committed support of others through difficult times.

Doug is survived by his children Matthew (Trisha), Melissa Norris Wilkins (Shawn), Clayton (Nicole), Timothy (Katie), Jeffrey (Catherine); grandchildren, Patrick, Jace, Amberlyn, Jordyn, Tristan and Marlee; his sisters Cynthia Cutter (Michael), Pamela Palley (Douglas), and Leslie Smith (Jimmy); nieces and nephews Katarina Alexander (Reuben), Shannon Held (Mark), Jason Paine (Patricia), Bradley Paine (Rose), Ryan Palley (Danielle), Nicole McMahon (Andrew), A.J. Smith, and Jacob Smith.

Doug was preceded in death by his father John Arhur and Eileen Marie (nee Stepanik) Norris, grand-daughter Gabrielle Norris, step-daughter Lindsay Oliver Burgermeister, and his wife Nancy.

The family wishes to extend its immense and sincere gratitude to the many faithful friends and parishioners of Bath United Church of Christ for the unwavering support, kindness and care they shared in the final months of Doug's life.

A joint celebration of life with Nancy is scheduled for Saturday, January 24, 2026 at 3:00pm with visitation starting at 2:00pm at the Bath United Church of Christ (3980 W Bath Rd, Akron, OH 44333)

In lieu of flowers, Doug wished memorials be made to the Summit County Metroparks.