Randall Steven Smith
August 26, 1950 ~ October 7, 2006
Resided in:
Leicester, NC
Asheville Butterfly Trail
Randall Steven Smith, 56, died suddenly at his home on Saturday, October 7, 2006. A singer, songwriter and journalist, Randy Smith was a native Texan, born in Andrews and raised in Houston. He graduated from Southern Methodist University in Dallas as a classical guitar major and performed in venues across Texas, California, Florida and North Carolina.
Randy has over 200 copyrighted songs which continue to delight with their wry humor and sweet spirit. Word-smithing was his calling in lyric, fiction, and journalism. He reported for The Dallas Morning News, The White Rocker, The Garland Daily News, The Chicago Tribune and The Hendersonville Times-News.
Randy Smith is survived by his wife and life companion of 38 years, Sally Whittle Smith, his sister Carole Harston of Arlington, TX; brother-in-law Gary Harston and nephew Sam; his brother Hobson Odell Smith, Jr. of Houston, TX; a niece Paula Carole Maddux of Weatherby Lake, MO, her husband Terry Maddux and their son and daughter Josh and Katy; a nephew Hobson Hairston, his wife Kelli of Houston, TX and their children Aubrey and Addison; an aunt, Dorothy Stones of Downey, ID and many loving cousins. In addition, his brother-in-law Joe Claude Whittle of Hockessin, DE, married to Susan Whittle and their son Jay Claude Whittle of Wilmington, DE and his wife Beth. Neighbors and life-long friends abound.
A celebration of Randy's life will occur Saturday, October 14, 2006 from 2:00-6:00 pm at The Bull Creek Ranch of Asheville. As Randy would have wanted, it will be potluck, so bring hor's douvres, desserts and BYOB. A service will begin at 4:00 pm.
For driving directions, go to bullcreekranchnc.com.
Memorial gifts may be given to the Southern Appalachian Highlands Conservancy Project, www.appalachian.org/involve/giving.htm.
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Dear Sally,
My memories of the beginning of your romance with Randy and the stories you shared with me then of your love are still strong, all these years later. I can only imagine the pain of your loss. My heart goes out to you.
Love, Cheryl
Sally,I really don’t know what to say but that I love you and I will be here for you anytime of the day or night. If you need company, come and sleep over. If you need to vent, I have good ears. If you need to cry,I will hold you. You are so loved by many.
Sally,I really don’t know what to say but that I love you and I will be here for you anytime of the day or night. If you need company, come and sleep over. If you need to vent, I have good ears. If you need to cry,I will hold you. You are so loved by many.
Randy was a joy, always ‘up’ and smiling, and it was a pleasure to be around him. Listening to him play his guitar and sing was a highlight in our lives. He will be so greatly missed.
We attended several of Randy’s concerts at Connestee Falls. He was a gifted writer and muscian. He had the gift of bringing joy and happiness to all he met.
Sally,
Randy was a joy to work with at the Times-News. All of us who have known and worked with him will surely miss him. The Apple Festival won’t be the same without his songs on opening day! Much love and sympathy to you and your family in your loss.
Licia
I didn’t know Randy, but Sally I want you to know that you are in my thoughts and prayers. Linda Neyman Pennington
Sally, I just arrived home last night from Ottawa and Marsha left me a v/m this morning. My thoughts are with you – consider yourself hugged. Let me know what I can do to raise you up!! Love…Sue
Sally,
Maggie Panther emailed us about your husband. So sorry for your loss. Many prayers to you and your family.
Sincerely, Patty
We don’t have the words to express our shock and sorrow after hearing about Randy. You and Randy have been special friends to us for almost 30 years.
Sally, our thoughts and prayers are with you. I know he’ll always be with us in spirit.
Kay and Steve Bishop
To the family and friends of Randy,
I will miss listening to Randy play. He was great to work with, listen to and be around. Randy was such a class individual in the way he treated others, represented himself and his profession. A great man. He will be missed.
Sally,
Randy’s easy manner, his ever-present smile and his sweet singing will never fade from our memories. Please know our thoughts and prayers are with you.
Fondly,
Dennis and Leslie DeShazer
To Randy’s family and friends: I am so sorry for your loss. We love Randy here at Cullasaja Club in Highlands NC & we will miss him terribly. I wanted to share a story about Randy. Recently, he was here & asked how I had been. I had been a little blue I told him. He said to me, ‘ I’ll play a song to lift your spirits.’ He later played ‘Come Monday’ by Jimmy Buffet for me. I just smiled, I felt better.
Thank you to his family & friends for sharing him with us. You are in my thoughts & prayers
Tracey L. Stough
I am so saddened by the shocking and sudden loss of this prince of a man. But I am also grateful that he touched my life and brought so much joy to my surrogate sister. He played a mean guitar accompaniment for the Dancing Bears and his big smile and warm heart will be forever remembered and treasured.
Sally,
May you find great comfort and abiding peace from many happy memories and the encouragement of caring friends…
Sally, Saddened to hear of your loss. May fond memories and love of friends sustain you as you face each new day. My prayers are with you. Love, Gloria Cates
Randy was not only a great singer and entertainer but one of the most gifted musicans I ever met in my 30 plus years as a club manager. He truly will be missed by all the club members at connestee falls club as well as the staff who had the pleasure to hear him sing so many wonderful songs.I can only say one last thing to his family , at least you will have his music and wonderful smile to remember in the days ahead.
GEORGE BARRETT, CLUB MANAGER
Dear Sally,
My heart goes out to you in this most difficult time. Randy was such a treasure and I know your grief must seem unbearable right now. Please know how many people are thinking about you and keeping you and your family in their hearts. If there is anything I can do, just let me know. You are such a special woman and I am blessed to know you.
Love,
Cathy and Ed Peterson
Sally…my heartfelt thoughts and prayers are being sent to you and your family. I am here if you need anything.
Jennifer Hodgson
Randy will be missed by many here at the Cullasaja Club.
I never had the opportunity to meet Randy in person;however, as a fellow musician we shared a common venue at Cullasaja Club, and his reputation as a gifted musician and nice person has been shared with me by those who did know him. Music comes from the heart and my heartfelt sympathy goes out to his family, friends and fans in the mountains and elsewhere.
Ronnie Evans
guitarist
Sally we all love you and hold you in our hearts!
Sue and All Souls Counseling Center
Sally I am deeply sorry for the loss of your soul companion and love. I am thinking of you and please know that I am here for you. Alice
I was so very saddened to hear the news that Randy had passed away. Performing music with Randy and Sally with the group Enterprise in San Francisco and Houston back in the mid-seventies will always hold fond memories for me. He will be missed.