Gregory Phillip Randolph

January 15, 1954 - May 21, 2024

May 27, 2024 by Jamie

My cousin Greg Randolph passed away in the evening of May 21, 2024. This was the same day our Aunt Essie Mae passed. Greg was the only son of Flay and Rachel Irene Tucker Randolph and was two years younger than me. Having so many of our family leave us in a short period has been difficult for all of us. I have been thinking about how there is such a feeling of love for each member of our Tucker family even if we haven’t had much contact throughout our lives. We come together to love and support each other; and when fortunate enough to cross paths, we are happy to be in each other’s presence. This is how I feel about Greg.

While we were young, his family lived in Buckeye, and we didn’t visit a lot. I do remember one visit in particular when all the kids went to see a western at the theater. It was one of those times that stand out in memories of just having fun with your cousins. We would see each other at the many family reunions and especially at Christmas at our grandparents’ home.

More recently, I briefly saw him at my Uncle Wayne and Aunt Dotty’s 50th Anniversary Celebration in 2010. He was on his way out the door as he told me he had to leave because he was officially adopting his sister Sharon’s granddaughters after their mother Denise passed away. He and his wife had been taking care of them but were about to become their legal guardians. This care of others was something I learned was not unusual in his family. Apparently, his sister Sharon had people in and out of her care as well. I think this demonstrates their character more than mere words. Going beyond, to think of others and make lives better.

Even more recently, he had been attending luncheons and reunions with Tucker family, bringing his father also. It was always great to see him and, again, his care of his father. I was happy that I was able to find a newspaper article about his mom when she won a modeling contest in Phoenix. Greg was really excited about the article. His excitement and joy was great to experience.

His illness and way too premature passing was a shock to us, and we will miss seeing his smiling face at future occasions. Our family has lost too many. May all of them party together and watch over us. My heart and love goes out to his family.

by Jamie

Obituary

Gregory Phillip Randolph (January 15, 1954 - May 21, 2024) was born in Phoenix, AZ to Flay and Rachel Irene Randolph. Greg started his life in Buckeye, AZ, where the family farmed cotton and altalta, and his dad was a cattle rancher. He attended Antelope Union High School in Wellton, AZ.

Greg attended Northern Arizona University, where he made many lifelong friends and earned his bachelor's degree in business.

During these years, Greg grew out his hair and beard, played lots of basketball, and rode a Harley Davidson. Greg became a "big brother" to Jeff Fischer through the Big Brothers, Big Sisters organization. Jeff was always a big part of Greg's life.

Atter college, Greg began his 30-year career with Northwestern Mutual Life Insurance, and in 1988 he met the love of his life, Deborah. For the next 36 years together, they raised kids, found lots of laughter, and managed all of the joys and challenges life threw at them.

Greg was heavily involved in Boy Scouts Troop 451, where he was troop leader, scout master, and eventually earned the illustrious Silver Beaver award. Greg's commitment to youth development and mentorship meant he devoted countless service hours to Troop

451. Through Boy Scouts, he camped, hiked, kayaked and explored the island of Kawai, traveled through Alaska, hiked, camped, and boated all around Arizona.

Greg's devotion to his family was unmatched. He jumped at every opportunity to take the kids swimming, hiking, to parks, the zoo, museums, or just out for lunch or a scoop of ice cream. Greg was involved with his church and had a strong devotion to the Lord.

Greg enjoyed riding his bike, going to the movies, and drinking Diet Coke with extra ice. He earned a black belt in taekwondo, juggled fruit, practiced nun chucks while riding his bike, and brought humor with him wherever he went. He is remembered for his integrity, and for choosing joy, even in times of great difficulty or sadness. Greg played guitar, and listened to rock, blues, jazz, and even some country music. He loved hearing his kids and grandkids sing and play their instruments. Greg never forgot a birthday, and never passed up the chance to hop in the car and go for a drive with the windows down, air on full-blast, and the music up loud.

Greg is survived by his wife Deborah, daughter Kate Hope (Brian), sons Sean Cox, Marcus Randolph (Shandie), Jacob Randolph (Sarah), and daughters Paige Tansill (Patrick) and Elle Randolph, as well as 9 - soon to be 10 - grandchildren.

He is preceded in death by his parents, Flay and Rachel Irene Randolph, his sisters, Sandra Wright and Sharon Cravens, and his grandbaby Jordan Tansill.

The family will held a small, private event to celebrate Greg's life.

In lieu of flowers, please send donations to the Gentiva Foundation.