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Lynton Randolph Knapp, known to everyone as ‘Randy’ passed away at home in the early morning hours of Wednesday September 25, 2019. He is survived by his wife, Meta Knapp; his four children, Denise Forant, Allen Knapp, Eric Knapp, and Jennifer Knapp; sister, Dorothy Fry; and his four grandchildren, Kevin Knapp, Kyle Knapp, Kit Stuckey, and Emma Stuckey. Randy led an uncommon life. He was born on July 16, 1937 in Minneapolis, Minnesota to Harry and Mary Lou Knapp. As a young child, Randy moved to California where his family lived in a de-winged B-17 bomber that his father transformed into the family home. His mother, Mary Lou, was on the television program called ‘Queen for a Day’ where one of the contestants was chosen to have their wish granted. She wished for a bike for her son, Randy. He was a radar weapons operator in the U.S. Air Force from 1955-1959. After leaving the Air Force he went to work for EG&G, a Department of Energy contractor, where he assisted in the design and testing of the U.S. Nuclear weapons that were developed during that era. During this time, he ran for the position of Nevada State Senator, and was backed by Barry Goldwater, US Senator. He also worked for Rockwell International, a contractor for NASA, where he assisted in building the Saturn V rocket motors for the NASA Astronaut program. Following that he moved back to California and attended Berkley to finish out his college education where he majored in Physics and Electrical Engineering, and later received his Master’s in Business. Later in life, he worked as an engineer for a technology firm and was instrumental in developing the barcode system that is used to this day. After many other successes, he started his own business in small data-storage systems that went public on the American Stock Exchange. This company was instrumental in developing how computers talk to disk operating systems. Some of his accomplishments led him to a prosperous career as a consultant for various tech companies. Anyone that knew Randy, was aware of his passion for the sea and sailing. He owned boats his whole life and sailed all over the world; from Seattle to Puerto Vallarta Mexico, the Caribbean, and Hawaii. He was most at home behind the helm of a boat, making everyone as green as the cigars that he smoked. When he moved to North Carolina, he loved boating on Lake Norman, and enjoying the fellowship of the men from his church at their weekly prayer breakfasts. As a way to fill his days, he became an Uber driver and gave thousands of people rides hearing their stories and sharing his. Randy was a force to be reckoned with and lived an exceptional life. A memorial service will be held at 2:00 PM on Wednesday, October 2 at Bethel Presbyterian Church, 19930 Bethel Church Road, Cornelius, NC 28031. Cavin-Cook Funeral Home & Crematory, Mooresville, is serving the Knapp family. Condolences may be made to the family at www.cavin-cook.com.

Tributes

Lynton Randolph Knapp

July 16, 1937 - September 25, 2019