Charles R. 'Buzz' Portis was born Oct. 13, 1934, at 737 Howard St., Zanesville, Ohio to Sally Olivia and Richard C. Portis Sr. Buzz graduated from Lash High School in 1954. He was placed on the All COL Football Team for 1953-54 and the 1st Black All Star at Zanesville High School at right tackle. Buzz briefly attended Central State Universtiy then started his employment career with Bonifield Hardware on Sixth Street. Buzz finished his career as grounds supervisor with the Zanesville Board of Education after 27 years in 1996. Buzz was a lifetime member of the Zanesville Esquires, an avid card player, loved Saturday morning cartoons and sports and was a friend to many. Buzz married Edith Ann Newby from Newcomerstown, Ohio in December 1957. From this union, Sandra Lee Portis was born in Jan. of 1959. In Oct. of 1979, Kendra Johnson Portis also joined them.

Buzz was preceded in death by his father, Richard C. Portis Sr.; sister and brother-in-law, Gloria (Richard) Herndon; brother, Richard C. Portis Jr.; former wife, Edith Ann Portis; niece, Janet L. Singer; uncles, Tom (Edna), Bill, Mack (Emma) and Raymond Rogers; an aunt, Demaris Rogers.

He is survived by his loving daughters, Sandra (Jeff) Holbert-Viney and Kendra (Randy) Gross; grandchildren, Jayshawn, Brandon and Briana; mother, S. Olivia Portis; sisters, J. Marlene Drummond, Sally Cook, Sue Tate, Barbara (Tom) Caliman, Sherry (Harold) Small; many nieces, nephews, great nieces and nephews, and one great-great niece, cousins and friends who will sorely miss him.

Calling hours will be held from 4 p.m. until the time of service.
Funeral services will be held at 6 p.m. Monday, April 7, 2008 at the Apostolic Christian Church, 1148 Ridge Ave. Zanesville, Ohio, with Elder Nathan P. McDonald Sr. officiating.

Buzz will lie in state at the church from 1 p.m.

Arrangements have been entrusted to Caliman Funeral Services.