Randy Turner – December 19, 2020

“Randy” Turner was born Charles Redding Turner III to Vivian (Hickey) and Charles Redding Turner, Jr. on April 18,1942 in Waco, Texas. Randy passed peacefully from this life into Heaven on December 19, 2020 at 1:34 AM surrounded by his beloved wife Kathy and his daughters, Michelle and Stephanie.

Randy was a direct descendant of Texas earliest pioneers and loved his hometown. He was a proud graduate of Waco High School, Class of 1960. Randy matriculated to the University of Texas in Austin, Plan II to study Architecture but excessive revelry necessitated a transfer to Baylor University.

Within his first week at Baylor, Randy met the love of his life, Kathryn Lea Dunnihoo Young. They were happily married for almost sixty years.

Randy graduated from Baylor University with degrees in Economics and Finance; however, his love of architecture continued as a life-long passion. He became proficient with SketchUp and retained membership in the American Institute of Architects. Randy’s fascination with design influenced his vision as a residential and commercial developer and investor based in Dallas, with many projects across Texas. He served on the boards of several banks and a host of other businesses throughout his career.

Randy’s legacy continues through his devoted daughters, each with husbands who became like sons to him; Michelle (and Richard Unwin) and Stephanie (and Jon Schaeffer). He is also survived by his adoring grandchildren, David (and Emily), Alex and Knox; along with great-grandchildren, Benjamin, Luke and James.

Randy will be missed by precious members of his extended family and by an array of special, lifelong friends. We grieve but not without hope.

Some pictures of Randy in happy times with his fellow graduates

Circa 1954 (from Pat Payne) – “Randy sent me this photo from 1954 to use in my essay, “A Waco Boy.” This picture is of our dance class with was our mothers’ idea!

15 comments on “Randy Turner – December 19, 2020

  1. Tim Lasseter Latta: John and I both are so sad about Randy’s passing. He was a great friend in high school and later became a client of John’s at Grant Thornton. John and Randy were always glad to see each other at reunions. We sent cards but due to the virus we were not able to visit him in person. He will always be fondly remembered.

  2. Jeanne Holland Harman: There are no words to express my sadness for the passing of Randy. He was such a fun person and so caring. He loved our WHS 1960 class and his upbringing in Waco. He always enjoyed coming back to Waco. He loved his “child bride” and his family, which was most obvious each time someone visited with him. Randy will be greatly missed and I feel so honored and blessed to have been his friend.

  3. Robert (Little Red) Wilson: So sorry to hear about Randy’s passing. He was a great guy and family man. On several of my mission trips over the years Randy helped with finances and on one trip to Africa he furnished a water pump that did not need electricity. He was generous and compassionate. Each time that he went into the hospital he would text me for extra prayers on his behalf. He will be missed.

  4. Gwen Ewing Hodges: Very sad news. We had some really fun times together and he had the best sense of humor! Condolences to all who loved him. It was obvious how much he loved his family.

  5. Jim Monnig: Randy survived so much I was sure he would survive this. There are no words. He passed in his sleep surrounded by his family…just the way he wanted.

  6. Joe Riley: Just now reading about Randy Turner. Sad, indeed. Christmastime is a mix of happiness and sadness for all of us. We must focus on the happy memories, even in these trying times.

  7. Bev Murphy Wells: What a shock! I understand Randy’s decision about removing life support though. He loved his “child bride” (always loved his endearment for his wife) and family. Heartfelt sympathy for Kathy and family.

  8. Nena Hunt Wallace: That’s very sad about Randy. I didn’t know him very well, he came into the office a few times. I’m very sorry for his wife and daughters.

  9. Bev Murphy Wells: “Randy’s service and remembrances by his family were beautiful and knowing Randy celebrated Christmas with the King of King’s was touching and inviting us all into the real meaning of Christmas and into the arms of our Lord and Savior where Randy now resides…forever!”

  10. Larry Thomas: “The service for Randy was wonderfully up lifting. I wasn’t close to him, but did cross paths with him several times since graduating. Will keep his family in my prayers.”

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