Cumberland County honored the late long-time Crossville meteorologist Steve Norris last week with a proclamation and the dedication of a bronze plaque installed on the historic Tennessee Highway Patrol trooper building adjacent to the courthouse. The building, now owned by the county, served as an office for Norris the last few years of his life. Norris greeted fourth-grade children during the annual downtown Crossville walking tour for students.
County officials, previous coworkers, friends, members of the public and family members attended the ceremony honoring the weather legend.
Pouring rain and cloudy skies cleared, allowing for the reading of the proclamation from County Mayor Allen Foster. Beth Davis from Foster’s office read the proclamation as Foster was unable to attend.
“Steve’s 46-year weather career began in 1976 at WAEW [radio station] when he was just 17 years old, giving hourly on-air weather updates while he was in high school … eventually Steve provided live weather updates and forecasts as a certified meteorologist across multiple radio stations and news outlets,” the proclamation states.
For over 40 years Norris provided extensive weather coverage for the Cumberland Plateau and performed live broadcasts during dangerous weather conditions, including thunderstorm and tornado warnings. Norris also wrote a weather column for the Crossville Chronicle for decades.
Although Norris was born with muscular dystrophy and was confined to a wheelchair, he did not let his disability stop him.
“Nothing stopped him, and he loved being out and around in the community and he especially loved being in this building. We were all so proud of him and know he would be thrilled knowing he was being honored in this way,” said Jewel Roy, Norris’s aunt. “Thank you for honoring him.”
Roy said Norris was always happy and could cheer anyone up, no matter the circumstances.
“If anyone went over to see him and visit with him, they would leave happier and in a better place after talking to Steve. We all miss him dearly,” Roy said.
Long-time radio coworker, Tony Perry, said, “He was physically challenged but mentally brilliant.”
Over the years Norris was featured several times on various Knoxville TV news stations with weather personality Margie Ison.
“In the early days she called him several times to see how the weather was on the Plateau,” Perry said.
“Accurate and timely weather information saves lives and Steve worked tirelessly to bring the citizens of the Upper Cumberland just that. We thank him for his many years of dedication and we will never forget listening for his voice, no matter what the weather, to keep us safe,” the proclamation concludes.
Norris passed away Sept. 22, 2022 at the age of 63, leaving a lasting legacy on local meteorology.
After the ceremony Davis presented Steve’s aunt with the proclamation. She hugged Davis and thanked her for giving her the proclamation and for the county honoring Steve.