Randy's family was important to him from an early age. He was a good son, brother, cousin, friend and father. Even when he became a doctor he always took phone calls immediately from family - parents, siblings and children, despite his heavy patient load and schedule. Randy became a very responsible brother early in life. He was six when his father was called up in the National Guard prompted by the Berlin crisis. Randy would rock his 18 month old sister Leslie every night to help his mother after she had worked a full day in their newly owned pharmacy. He continued being a protective brother to his baby brother Jay. He always included his siblings in his activities with his friends despite their age difference. Summers spent skiing at Lake Chicot were some of their best times despite the occasional mishaps of losing the boat on the trailer, sinking the boat from a forgotten plug and running out of gas.
Randy started his long amateur coaching career early - coaching his sister in baseball when he was about nine and she was four. She started school with one of the best "gloves" in the first grade. When he was twelve, Randy started coaching her for the Olympics. While in high school he coached his brother Jay's baseball team and later, he coached his kids Monica, Josh, Jay Randall and Randi in baseball, basketball and softball. He also coached his nephews Andrew and Bradley.
If a kid was lucky enough to be on Randy's team they soon found that riding with "Doc" was an experience. As his daughter Monica said, "Driving fast on an empty tank was his hobby and he drove every vehicle like he had just stolen it." One of his best friends, Mike Scott said that he didn't know who taught Randy how to drive, but they failed, and his cars and trucks were like an "archeological site" of his busy life. A little digging and one would know how many times he had eaten a McDonald's. No one ever accused Randy McKiever of littering.
Horses were always important on the McKiever side of the family. His grandfather McKiever loved horses and his daddy W.J. loved horses; Randy loved horses. As well as playing basketball, baseball and running track competitively, he also placed in the Arkansas High School Rodeo in Quarter Horse Cutting. He continued to compete in cutting horse shows for many years.
Randy McKiever loved life, and he lived it with energy and gusto. He loved hunting - duck goose, quail, deer, coon and hog. He loved music and he loved to dance. He loved good food, but he really loved his mother, as he was a Mama's boy until the last breath he drew. Randy was able to take part in all of his hobbies, as his son Josh was there every step of the way to help with horses, dogs, gas and vehicles. From a very early age he became his Daddy's "right hand man."
Despite participating in everything under the sun, Randy was a serious and very good student. He used one pencil throughout the first grade and the small stub has his teeth marks capturing all the angst of being a first grader. He went on to become an honor graduate of Monticello High School and he graduated summa cum laude from UAM in 1977 after only three and one-half years with a bachelor's degree in biology. Randy then went on to attend the University of Arkansas Medical Sciences where he graduated with an M.D. in 1981. He served a residency in obstetrics and gynecology at the Sacred Heart Health System in Pensacola, Fla. From 1983-86, he was an emergency room physician at the DeQueen Medical Center before returning to Monticello in 1986 to open McKiever Clinic. For the next 20 years, Dr. McKiever practiced obstetrics, family medicine and general surgery. He served on the State Board of Health and as a team physician to the UAM football team. Dr. McKiever never forgot his medical roots and still worked a weekly night shift at Drew Memorial emergency room as an attending physician until a brain injury ended his career in 2006. His proudest legacy is the thousands of children he safely delivered into the world.
Randy's spiritual life was important to him and in 2004 he earned a Doctor of Divinity and Doctor of Philosophy in Human Behavior from Trinity Christian University. He enjoyed conducting marriage ceremonies including officiating his daughter Monica's wedding.
Randy was preceded in death by his father William J. "W.J." McKiever and grandparents, George William McKiever and Bessie Lee (Jordan) McKiever and DC Sanderlin and Willie Lee (Shelton) Sanderlin. He is survived by: his mother, La Nell Sanderlin McKiever; children, Monica Lee (Zach), Joshua McKiever, (Amanda), Jay Randall McKiever, Jon Daniel McKiever, Randi McDougald (Alex) and Jeffery Spraggins; sister and brother, Leslie McKiever and Jay Bartley McKiever (Sharon); grandchildren, Slade and Maeme Lee, Addee and William Jett McKiever, William Jase McDougald, and Marley and Mercer Spraggins; nephews and nieces, Andrew and Bradley Bentz, Conner, Cole, and Kendall McKiever, and great-nephew and pal, AJ Bentz.
Randy is also survived by uncles and aunts, DC "Pete" Sanderlin (Glenda), Jimmy Sanderlin (Theresa), Wanda Chester, Connie Sanderlin and Jeanette Sanderlin; and, special cousin Stanley Chester, as well as, a host of cousins, friends and former patients
The McKiever Family would like to express heartfelt thanks to Dr. Tim Simon and Dr. Silvia Simon for their wonderful care, far beyond their duty, of Randy and his family. Also they have tremendous gratitude to Jerry and Beverly Davis for their loyalty and generosity in sending flowers to Randy every month and holiday for 15 years.
Memorials may be given in lieu of flowers to the Dr W.J. McKiever and Dr Wm. R. McKiever Scholarship at the University of Arkansas Monticello, Office of Advancement at (870) 460-1028, P.O. Box 3520 Monticello, AR 71656. When endowed this scholarship will be offered to a junior Pre-Pharmacy or Pre- Medical student at UAM.
Condolences(19)
KK FELDHAUS
St Louis, MO Friday, July 2, 2021 May his memory be a blessing.Brooke Jackson
Monticello, AR Thursday, July 1, 2021 You are in my prayers, thinking of you all.Stacy Cater
Monticello, AR Monday, June 28, 2021 l send my deepest sympathies to the family. May God comfort you during this difficult time.Stanley Roberts
Cocoa Beach, FL Monday, June 28, 2021 Have some great child hood memories of growing up with Randy. God bless hiBrenda Norsworthy
Pine Bluff, AR Sunday, June 27, 2021 I would like to express my sympathy to the McKiever family. My late husband worked with W.J. on Jordan family history. W.J.’s mother and Jimmie’s mother were Jordan cousins. W.J. shared with us his sorrow about his son’s health. We have prayed for Randy and I will hold all of you in my prayers. Sincerely, Brenda NorsworthySherry O'Neill-Rawls
Monticello, AR Sunday, June 27, 2021 I am so sorry to read of the loss of Dr. McKiever. My children & I are forever in his debt. In 1992 my husband James O'Neill had me listen to his heart & it seemed to "skip a beat". At the E.R. a young intern told him that was normal & only kept James overnight after I told him that if James died from his lack of medical care I would "find" him. Dr. McKiever came in early the next morning, looked at the EKG & immediately stated James had suffered a heart attack. He sent him to Little Rock where they discovered that only 18% of James's heart was functioning. Without Dr. McKiever, James would not have had the heart surgery he needed. We are so grateful for his medical expertise that helped give us ten more years with James. Randy was a good person & a great doctor who helped many people. I'm sure there are many more stories like James's. To Randy's family: May God wrap His loving arms around you & comfort you. May He give you peace, & strength to help you through these days of intense grief.Denise Chapman
Monticello, AR Sunday, June 27, 2021 Our sincere condolences to the family. Travis and I thought fondly of Randy. Good hearted and down to earth. Never met a stranger. May the LORD comfort you all. Our thoughts and prayers are with you.Michelle Bailey
Monticello, AR Sunday, June 27, 2021 Prayers for the family!Debbie (Jerry) Wadsworth Zouzas
Fort Smith, AR Sunday, June 27, 2021 I have many fond memories of Randy going through school together. Unfortunately through the years I lost contact with him. My prayers are with the entire McKiever family.Monticello Medical Clinic
Monticello, AR Sunday, June 27, 2021 Prayers for Doc's family during this loss of their loved one. May the memories bring comfort and much love in the hearts that cherish him. He will be greatly missed and always remembered.Darlene & Don Savage
Hermitage, AR Sunday, June 27, 2021 Our thoughts and prayers are with you during this difficult time. Doc was unique in his caring for his patients and had a "gift" as a Doctor. He will be greatly missed and forever be in our memories and hearts. Love to all his family.Jason & Michelle McDougald
, AR Sunday, June 27, 2021 Randi..so sorry about your dad's passing but he is completely healed now walking on the streets of gold with the Lord. Know that he's home and you will see him again one day. He will be watching over you intil then...You and the rest of the family are in our thoughts and prayers.. We love you! Big hugs sweetie
Jacque Bynum
Portland, AR Saturday, June 26, 2021 My condolences to the McKiever family, I was sorry to hear of Doc’s transition but I’ve read to be absent from the body is to be present with the Lord, so Doc your time here has been fulfilled take your rest. I miss you dearly. Keeping the family in prayer. Mrs LaNell God has a blessing for you you’re such a blessing to your children and family.Mark&Mary withers
North Little Rock, AR Saturday, June 26, 2021 We are sorry for the loss of Dr. Randy, he was a great doctor and will Be greatly missed!Ann Rabb Curry
Pearland, TX Saturday, June 26, 2021 LaNell and family. Just a note to tell you that we are think of you and your family at this time.May the Good Lord will give you extra strength .
Love to your family.
Ann and Jamie
Linda Sue Barnes
Monticello, AR Saturday, June 26, 2021 Lanell and Family,I was sad to hear of Randy’s passing but I know he is with the Lord and complete. He was a good friend to me and I’ve missed him. Rest In Peace my sweet friend ❤️🙏🏻. I’m in California right now and will not be home till next week but please know that my prayers and thoughts are with you all🙏🏻
Marsha Pierce
Hampton, AR Friday, June 25, 2021 So sorry, Comforting Prayers for the family.Bob & Judi Prestridge
Hot Springs, AR Friday, June 25, 2021 LaNell and family We are sorry for your loss. Our thoughts and prayers are with You.Bob & Judi
Johnny Ware
North Little Rock, AR Friday, June 25, 2021 I am so sorry to learn of Randy passing away. I was just thinking of him just the other day as he coached me in basketball in the 5th or 6th grade. I would see Randy now and then when I would be with Jay at his house. Mandy and I will be thinking of everyone. God Bless.