Randall Lee Smitheal passed away on Tuesday, Oct. 18, 2011 at the age of 60.

Randy was born in Houston, on Dec. 23, 1950 to Robert and Gloria Smitheal. He attended Spring Woods High School and the University of Houston.

As a young man, Randy was an talented athlete, carpenter and successful home builder. He later joined the family business, Northwest Manufacturing, in Houston.

Randy guided Northwest for over 30 years and forged lasting bonds with many of the employees, customers and vendors. He balanced his strong work ethic with a deep commitment to family, both as a devoted husband and a loving father and grandfather. He rarely missed a game or event involving his children, and remained equally engaged in the lives of his many grandchildren. Randy was also admired for his remarkable dedication to his parents throughout their lives.

Randy was a passionate man with a profound sense of duty, but with a ready smile and a quick wit, always on the move, and making the most of life, and by example, showing others how to do the same. He was an avid outdoorsman who loved to hunt deer in the Texas Hill Country, from early adventures with his children, continuing all the way until last season. He also enjoyed boating on Lake Travis near Austin, and there was usually a vintage automobile in his garage waiting for a drive down a two-lane road in the country. However, Randy seemed the most at home hanging out with his family and friends at his ranch in Bellville. Many people were fortunate enough to have shared these experiences with him over the years. His kindness and generosity will be missed by all. 

Randy is preceded in death by his parents and his brother Rodney Smitheal.

He is survived by his wife Deborah Smitheal, his children and their spouses: Jeremy Lee Smitheal, and wife Ellen Smitheal; Amanda Smitheal Tatum, and husband Bradley Tatum; step-daughters: Jacqueline Scanlin, and husband David Scanlin; Cheri Medus, and husband Bobby Medus; Cara Gretch; grandchildren: Emily Lynn Smitheal, Avery Paige Smitheal, Jacob Lee Smitheal, Case Randall Smitheal, Hudson Bradley Smitheal: step-grandchildren: Hunter Holcomb; Cole Scanlin; Kendall Medus; Ryan Medus. Also surviving him is his brother Robert Smitheal Jr.; sister Cheryl Patton. Randy’s family is grateful for the care provided by the doctors, nurses and staff of the Methodist Transplant Center and a special thanks to Dr. Javier La Fuente.  

Services were held in Bellville on Oct. 22 at St. Mary’s Episcopal Church.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Nora’s Life Gift Foundation or Blood/Platelet donations to the Methodist Hospital Blood Center.