Randy passed away at Baptist Hospital on December 23, 1996. He was 43 years old, having been born on June 9, 1954. He was laid to rest at the Holy Bible Baptist Church Cemetery in Germanton, North Carolina.
Randy was one of the most intelligent people I ever knew. In Junior High (Mineral Springs) one of his favorite past times was actually to debate current events...and he was great at it! He read all the time and had insight and understanding beyond his years. Together we served as Officers of the Photography Club at North. Yet, with such potential his real goal and joy in life was to get married and settle down as soon after High School as possible. He, his wife, and children would visit me in Floriday or Texas. They were truely my "best friends forever" and I was privledged to be in their wedding; but more importantly to lead him to Christ.
As his disease took over his body, I brought him to Texas to experience first hand the culture of the Southwest. Later my wife and I shuttled him (wheel chair and all) to a North Forsyth reunion. I was shocked that so few of our friends had the Viking courage to come over and talk to him. When I asked Randy why the tears, he explained that it was not because he felt their rejection, but because of their own poverty of heart.
He loved his family and especially his little girls. I was honored enough to be called to visit within days of each of their births. It has been a blessing to see the reflect of Randy in them. Yes, they clearly have the beauty and southern stle of their mother. But they have the character and inquiring nature of their father. The older, smart as a whip, earned her Master's degree and the younger became a professional photographer. Boy would their Dad be proud ot them.
Randy, we all miss you so much. Thank you for teaching us.
G. L. Brown
Randy was one of the most intelligent people I ever knew. In Junior High (Mineral Springs) one of his favorite past times was actually to debate current events...and he was great at it! He read all the time and had insight and understanding beyond his years. Together we served as Officers of the Photography Club at North. Yet, with such potential his real goal and joy in life was to get married and settle down as soon after High School as possible. He, his wife, and children would visit me in Floriday or Texas. They were truely my "best friends forever" and I was privledged to be in their wedding; but more importantly to lead him to Christ.
As his disease took over his body, I brought him to Texas to experience first hand the culture of the Southwest. Later my wife and I shuttled him (wheel chair and all) to a North Forsyth reunion. I was shocked that so few of our friends had the Viking courage to come over and talk to him. When I asked Randy why the tears, he explained that it was not because he felt their rejection, but because of their own poverty of heart.
He loved his family and especially his little girls. I was honored enough to be called to visit within days of each of their births. It has been a blessing to see the reflect of Randy in them. Yes, they clearly have the beauty and southern stle of their mother. But they have the character and inquiring nature of their father. The older, smart as a whip, earned her Master's degree and the younger became a professional photographer. Boy would their Dad be proud ot them.
Randy, we all miss you so much. Thank you for teaching us.