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 alfalfa, 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.
After 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 hold a small, private event to celebrate Greg’s life. In lieu of flowers, please send donations to the Gentiva Foundation.
Arrangements by Bunker’s University Chapel, www.bunkerfuneral.com. Should this obituary appear anywhere but bunkerfuneral.com, please check our website for accurate details and service information.
Condolences