Randy Steven Smith, 64, of Huntsville, AL, went to be eternally with his Lord and Savior Jesus Christ on January 29, 2020. Mr. Smith was born in Tucson, AZ, on April 5, 1955. He was a member of the Titusville High School (Titusville, FL) Class of ‘73. After graduation, Mr. Smith joined the United States Air Force and served four years during the Vietnam era. It was during his time in USAF that Mr. Smith fell in love with aviation, declaring “I don’t care what I do, I just want to work on planes.”
Following his military service, Mr. Smith had a prestigious career working across the United States and abroad for Lockheed Martin, Rockwell International, BAE Systems, PP&G and other leading aeronautical giants. In 2001, Mr. Smith graduated with his Bachelor of Science in Professional Aeronautics from Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University and in 2003 with his Master of Science in Quality Assurance from Southern Polytechnic State University.
Mr. Smith married his “honey,” Shelley, on August 18, 1994. Together they loved to hike, camp, spend time with their dogs, and create many memories involving their children and grandchildren, each of whom Mr. Smith gave a treasured nickname.
Mr. Smith liked to hunt and watch the Dallas Cowboys. He loved food, was an accomplished home chef and enjoyed nothing more than blessing others with his cooking. He often spoke of one day opening his own restaurant or food truck. He continued his love of aviation outside of work holding his private pilot license and he longed to be in the skies.
But most of all, Mr. Smith was known for his strong Christian faith and love for God. He was passionate about spreading the gospel and supporting mission work. He loved the Church and sought ways in which he could serve, often playing his guitar in worship and praise teams. He loved to study and teach God’s Word, the Bible. He would often point others to his favorite verses: “Trust in the Lord with all your heart and do not lean on your own understanding. In all your ways acknowledge Him, and He will make your paths straight.” (Proverbs 3:5-6). While Randy will be greatly missed, we rejoice knowing that he is now with the One who he loved so much.
Mr. Smith is preceded in death by his parents, Mrs. Madonna Jean and Mr. William Joseph Smith. Survivors include his wife, Shelley Hadden Smith; his two daughters, Holly Smith of Lake Wylie, SC and Laura Barber (James) of Canton, GA; his two step-children, Danielle Robertson (Peter) of Xenia, OH and Michael Gulisano (Sal) of Norcross, GA; nine grandchildren; his sister, Patricia Ann Harris of Titusville, FL; and his brother, Michael Smith of Chesterfield, MO.
A service celebrating Mr. Smith’s life will be held Sunday, February 2, 2020 at Grace Community Church, 4554 Research Park Blvd NW, Huntsville, AL. The service will begin at 2:00 p.m. The family will receive visitors from 1:00 p.m. A burial will follow at Jefferson Memorial Gardens in Trussville, AL on Monday at 11:00 a.m.
Memorial donations in lieu of flowers may be made to the Grace Community Church (Huntsville, AL) Mission Fund.
