Randall T. Chew, IV (“Randy”)
If you knew Randall T. Chew, IV-Randy to most-you probably knew a man whose life was quietly centered on two things: loving Christ and loving his family. He never sought recognition for either. He simply lived his faith every day, serving wherever God placed him and loving the people around him well.
Randy was born on December 3, 1945, in Monterey Park, California. He proudly served his country in the United States Army and was stationed in Germany, where he and the love of his life, Carol, welcomed their twin daughters, Missy and Marcy. After returning to Southern California, their family grew again with the births of Kathryn and Sarah. Eventually, they made Decatur, Alabama, their home, where they spent the last 37 years building a life filled with faith, friendships, and family.
Randy and Carol were married 58 years, walking through every season of life together. He leaves behind Carol; his daughters, Missy Wright (Stephen), Marcy McDonald (Ashley), Kathryn Chew, and Sarah Chew; his five grandchildren, Christian McDonald (Allie), Caleb McDonald (Savanna), Kennamer Wright, Trace Wright, and Kaydence Owusu; and his five great-grandchildren, Mason Fisk, Ryder, Miley Rose, Sadie, and Harrison McDonald. Nothing made him happier than watching his family grow. He is also remembered by his sisters and brothers Cliveden Haas (Guy), Lindsey Chew (Kay), Marsden Macrae (Bruce), and Scott Chew (Rachel) and many nieces and nephews.
After serving in the Army, where he received several medals and recognitions during his service to the country, Randy continued his military career in the Alabama National Guard before retiring. He also enjoyed a career as a civilian contract technical writer and instructor working with the Patriot and Chaparral missiles and Blackhawk Helicopter. But if you asked him what mattered most, it wouldn’t have been his profession. It would have been his faith.
Wherever Randy and Carol lived, they found a church family to love and serve. At the Simi Valley church of Christ in California, Randy started the J.O.Y. Bus ministry, driving throughout the valley each week to pick up 2 bus loads of children who otherwise wouldn’t have had a way to come to church. Years later, at Beltline church of Christ in Decatur, Randy and Carol became favorite teachers on Faith Boulevard, faithfully teaching children every Sunday morning for two decades. They didn’t just teach Bible stories-they loved children, encouraged families, and quietly planted seeds of faith that only eternity will fully reveal.
In the last years of his life, dementia slowly took away so much of what made Randy familiar to those who loved him. It stole names, memories, and conversations. But somehow, one thing remained. Every time one of his daughters would say, “Hi, Daddy,” his face would brighten, and without fail he would answer, “Hey, sweet girl.” Those three words became a gift his family will carry with them forever.
Our family would also like to express our deepest and most heartfelt appreciation to Dr. Irle’s and Dr. Boyle’s extraordinary teams at Hospice of the Valley. The love, compassion, and tender care they provided Daddy during his final journey were truly beyond measure. They didn’t simply care for him as a patient; they loved him as though he were one of their own. Their kindness brought comfort, dignity, and peace to Daddy and to our entire family during some of our most difficult days. We will forever be grateful for the beautiful hearts and loving hands that cared for him so faithfully.
Today, our hearts are broken because we will miss him. But our hope is stronger than our grief. We rejoice knowing that the disease which clouded his mind no longer has any hold on him. We believe he now sees clearly, remembers fully, and is standing in the presence of the Savior he loved and served throughout his life.
If Randy could leave us with one lesson, it might simply be this: love God, love your family, serve others faithfully, and trust that the smallest acts of kindness can leave the greatest legacy.
Service will be Sunday, November 1st at Shelton Funeral Home with visitation at 2pm, followed by a memorial service at 3pm.
Until we meet again, we’ll always hear your voice saying, “Hey, sweet girl.”
Goodbye, Daddy. Save us a seat at the table.
