A Hamburg native, Randy was the eldest of four children and spent his childhood summers working on Andy Johnson's rice farm. His family recalls fondly that he would drive a tractor home for lunch every day to watch As the World Turns. In 1967 he enlisted in the Navy and served as an electrician on the USS Pocono until 1971. He often regaled his grandchildren with stories of docking in Greece and sailing through the Bermuda Triangle to deliver supplies and troops to Vietnam.
After his service he attended classes at the University of Arkansas at Monticello. He worked as a Computer Systems Analyst at Burlington Industries for thirty-three years, where he met his beloved wife, Shirley, and countless life-long friends. Former colleagues recall his smile and sense of humor, as well as his dedication to his work.
He was an active supporter of Monticello High School, working in the concession stand during football season all nine years his daughters marched in the band. Randy was a nurturing and loving father. He never missed a school function for his children or grandchildren. He loved nature and was a great outdoorsman; he taught his children and grandchildren to identify plants and animal tracks, and owned an impressive collection of walking sticks.
Randy was a member of Immanuel Baptist Church, where he volunteered in the Food Pantry and worked on multiple committees. He loved his extended church family, who helped him stay positive during his long illness.
Throughout his illness, Randy maintained his patience and sense of humor. He was a man of grace and kindness. He never met a stranger. He loved freely and with the whole of his heart. He will be missed greatly by the many lives he touched, including those of his great-grandchildren, who brought him so much joy towards the end of his life.
Survivors include two daughters, Christie McDonald of Monticello and Cindy McDonald Bearden of Gulfport, MS; his mother, Alyce McClerkin McDonald of Hamburg; two brothers, Jack McDonald and wife Debbie and James McDonald and wife Becky both of Hamburg; one sister, Susan Stanley and husband Mike of Hamburg; two granddaughters, Alannah Hensley of Washington D.C. and Madison Daniels of Monticello; one grandson, Gabriel McDonald of Monticello; one great-granddaughter, Eden Faulkner; and one great-grandson, Holden Faulkner. The family asks any charitable contributions be made to Fresenius Medical Care Foundation.
Funeral service will be 2:00 p.m. Wednesday, November 20, 2019 at Stephenson-Dearman Funeral Chapel with burial to follow in Oakland Cemetery with Military Honors. Visitation 6:00-8:00 p.m. Tuesday evening at the funeral home. Online guestbook at www.stephensondearman.com.
Condolences(24)
Paul McCammon
North Little Rock, AR Monday, November 25, 2019 I'm sorry to hear that Randy has passed away. I worked many hours with him at Burlington, sometimes in the middle of the night. He was always in a pleasant frame of mind. I hoped that one day our paths would cross and we could talk about the old days. I really miss my customers and he was among the ones at the top of my list. My sympathy to his family.Denise Frost
Monticello, AR Saturday, November 23, 2019 Christie, I am so very sorry about your Dad. It is never easy to lose someone so special. My thoughts and prayers are with you and your family.Ladonna an Jessie dodson
MONTICELLO, AR Friday, November 22, 2019 Sorry for your loss Mr Randy was a very nice man an was a pleasure to be around may God be with your family at this time of loss!Lea Forrest Faulkner
Monticello, AR Tuesday, November 19, 2019 MadisonI am so sorry for your loss. I have been in your shoes and I know what you are though and I will always be here for you no matter what.
Please know that you will be in my heart, thoughts and prayers.
Lea Forrest Faulkner
Monticello, AR Tuesday, November 19, 2019 Christie I am so sorry for the loss of you dad. I have been in your shoes and I know what you are going through. It does get easier it just takes time. Please know that you are in my heart, thoughts and prayers.David Darnell and Family
Monticello, AR Tuesday, November 19, 2019 Our prayers and thoughts are with you all during this time. Mr. Randy was a great joy to all he came in contact with! We truly are Blessed to have gotten to know him as well as worship our Lord along side him, too!Sue & Harry Misho
Crossett, AR Tuesday, November 19, 2019 Our deepest sympathy and prayers to the family. May God Bless you during this difficult time.Sue & Harry Misho
Grady Wright
, TX Tuesday, November 19, 2019 My deepest condolences to the family. I always enjoyed our conversations, and he always seemed to be happy and very friendly. I will miss him.Phil & Inez Barnes
Hamburg, AR Tuesday, November 19, 2019 Our players for the family.Phil & Inez Barnes
Robin Johnson
Monticello, AR Monday, November 18, 2019 Christie and Family,My heart is broken for the loss of your father. He was a great man who loved each of you dearly. God has given you a lot to handle, but he knew you would be ok. Our family is praying for each of you. Love, Robin
Sherry Carson
Monticello, AR Sunday, November 17, 2019 Christie & family,I'm so sad to hear about your Dad! He was such a good kind man and was so proud of his family and loved you all,so much. Praying for Gods strength, comfort, and peace as you face the times ahead.
With Sincere sympathy,
Sherry Carson
Ann Pistole
North Liberty, IA Sunday, November 17, 2019 So very sorry for your loss, my thoughts and prayers are with all of you at this time,Sincerely, Ann Pistole
Kay Crook
Monticello, AR Sunday, November 17, 2019 Sorry to hear about Randy. He was a favorite of everyone who worked at Burlington. Always smiling and nice to others. I worked with Shirley when she begin dating Randy. We were so glad they got married. I love the fond memories that I have of these two during our Burlington years. May God be with you during this time.April Block
Monticello, AR Sunday, November 17, 2019 My sincere condolences to the family. Mr Randy was always sweet and kindhearted always greeted me with a warm hug and smile. May God be with you all during this difficult time of bereavement.Barbara Posey
Monticello, AR Saturday, November 16, 2019 To the family: So sorry to hear about Randy. You are in my thoughts and prayers.Bennie Carol (Burgess) Wade
Little Rock, AR Saturday, November 16, 2019 I am so sorry to learn of the death of your kind son, brother, Daddy, and Granddaddy. But I am relieved that he is no longer suffering. May God comfort you with His love and precious memories.Terri Montgomery
Monticello, AR Saturday, November 16, 2019 Sorry for your loss! Randy was a customer for years and always came in to visit when he bought gas. He was a great guy!Cherry Cotham
Monticello, AR Saturday, November 16, 2019 Christie, I am so sorry to hear this. You and your family are in my thoughts and prayers. Love you sweet lady.Sharon Shook McIntyre
Monticello, AR Saturday, November 16, 2019 Dear Family of Randy,I am so sorry to hear the sad news about Randy. He & I worked at Burlington together for many years. He was one of my dearest friends at BI. Please know that all of you are in my thoughts & prayers.
Sincerely,
Sharon
Barbara K Maxwell
Monticello, AR Saturday, November 16, 2019 Christie, I'm so sorry for the loss of your Dad. Prayers for you and your family.Martha Horn
Hamburg, AR Saturday, November 16, 2019 PrayersNancy Forrest
Monticello, AR Saturday, November 16, 2019 Madison and family, I am so sorry for your loss. Sending prayers at this great time of sadness.Steve & Sara Hartness
Monticello, AR Friday, November 15, 2019 So sorry Christie. Randy was a good man. He was a good friend to. Thoughts and Prayers are with you.Bruce &Anne Carpenter
Crossett, AR Friday, November 15, 2019 We are so sad to hear of Randy's loss. Sending our love and prayers to his family.