Ray Randolph is ill

[Mar]

Ray Randolph, known to most BMWMOA members as Randoff has been diagnosed with cancer. He has been admitted to Covenant Medical Center in Lubbock, Texas for treatment of the pain.
His prognosis is not good.

A card with best wishes, a kind word or remembrance from past rallies would lift his spirits.

Send your cards to:

Ray Randolph
Room 787 South
Covenant Medical Center
3615 19th Street
Lubbock, Texas 79410

Ray has been riding BMWs since 1969 and he's been a BMW MOA member since 1972. He's also a Pioneer, which means that he has attended almost all of the BMW MOA International rallies.

Thanks.

[kbasa]

I don't know Ray, but our thoughts and prayers go out to him.

[mthelmet]

Best wishes to ray.

[kbasa]

The IBMWR list reports that Ray died yesterday, January 28th, at 3:15PM.

Godspeed Ray.

[Rad]

Originally posted by KBasa


Godspeed Ray.

What he said:cry

[The_Veg]

I didn't know him but as one of our community I'm sure he'll be missed.

[lkchris]

Obit:

http://www.lubbockonline.com/stories/013004/obi_013004086.shtml

[kbasa]

From the Lubbock paper:

Services for Homer Ray Randolph, 69, of Lubbock, will be at 2 p.m. today, Jan. 30, at Highland Baptist Church with the Rev. Stan Blevins officiating. Burial will follow in Resthaven Memorial Park under direction of Franklin-Bartley Funeral Home.

Mr. Randolph died Wednesday, Jan. 28, 2004.

He was born Jan. 6, 1935, in Afton, Texas, to Jeff and Addie Randolph. He graduated from Patton Springs High School in 1953 and attended Texas Tech University. Mr. Randolph served in the U.S. Army from 1954 to 1956. He was retired from National Cash Register where he worked as a service technician. His favorite pastime was motorcycling and he was the recipient of the BMW Million Mile Award in 2001.

Survivors include his wife, Barbara; a son, Jim Randolph of Denver, Colo.; a stepdaughter, Karen Cottrell and husband Bruce; three grandchildren; three brothers, Jackie Randolph of Lubbock, Rodney Randolph of Crosbyton and Dickie Randolph of Hawley; 11 sisters, Dorece Cheeseman, Donna D elahunty and Nina Provence, all of Lubbock, Jerrene Watkins of Mesquite, Marjorie Willmon of Levelland, Helen Spradling of Reno, Nev., Charlene Vickrey of Afton, Joy Blassingame of Lake Whitney, Ruth Davidson of Brownfield, Patsy Richards of Hobbs, N.M. and Carol Stewart of Roscoe; and several nieces and nephews.

Services for Homer Ray Randolph, 69, of Lubbock, will be at 2 p.m. today, Jan. 30, at Highland Baptist Church with the Rev. Stan Blevins officiating. Burial will follow in Resthaven Memorial Park under direction of Franklin-Bartley Funeral Home.

http://www.lubbockonline.com/images/013004/10740_256.jpg

[Voni]

From Steve Aikens, friend:

The services were well done. The pastor knew Ray for a couple years and after speaking with Barbara about him some, nailed Ray's life to a T. He focused correctly on the BMW and motorcycling aspect of his life, and the fact that Ray never had an unkind word for anyone. Quoted [or very closely] below from the services.

"Ray's physician summed Ray up very well when he told me "Ray Randolph was a man's man, a gentleman's gentleman." "

"Ray Randolph was a strong family man. With the exception of two, all of Ray Randolph's 15 siblings [yes, one mother, one father, 16 children] and their family's made it to this service. I [The pastor] have lead services here for 28 years. This is the largest family turnout by far, in all those years. There was one family that was larger but the attendance was less than half that of this family. That speaks highly of what a strong family relationship the Randolph family has. In those 28 years of services, I have offered services for many motorcycle riders. This is without a doubt, the largest motorcycle rider attended service I have not only ever lead, but that I have ever heard of. That speaks so very highly about the impact Ray Randolph had on his friends, that they would chose to take the time out of their day to come here to honor their friend, some traveling great distances by motorcycle on a very cold day to do so. Ray Randolph traveled the length and breadth of this continent on his motorcycle. It is a fitting tribute to such a man that other motorcyclists have traveled here to pay their respects to a man they respected."

There were - I think - 16 motorcycles at the services. Most came in cars because of the weather. I arranged with the funeral director that we provide escort for Ray, from directly behind the limo Barbara rode in - which was directly behind Ray, to the cemetery. The attendance was large and the procession to the cemetery was very long.

Ray's last ride was in the company of his friends and the family he held closest.

[Voni]

And Steve sent this to share:

[Voni]

More from Steve:

It would be impossible for me to individually reply to all the messages of condolence to me and Ray's family on his passing so I'm taking a moment to drop a note about Ray to everyone here.

Ray Randolph was a long time BMW and long distance riding enthusiast. His contributions to the BMW community as a Dealer and BMW Pioneer are historic. In the long distant riding community, Ray's extended gas tank modifications are seen across the country - including two I know of in Canada. Because of his extreme riding style, Ray is known to show up in the remotest areas to "Rally". He is known widely wherever there was something going on with bikes. His easy going, laid back way of handling problems and taking control of situations with his "farmboy" fixes helped change things from a problem - to an experience looked back on in awe. In short, Ray Randolph was a man that had friends and acquaintances all over North America.

Ray was a good friend for many years and I am deeply saddened that he will no longer be around to ride with and enjoy. However, I am pleased that he is no longer suffering. Ray was an individual that celebrated life. I know he would want us to look fondly on the good - sometimes most interesting - times we had with him when he was with us and celebrate his life, not mourn his death.

Thank you all for the kind notes. I will print them and offer them to Ray's family.

Nom de Plume:
Steve Aikens, Clovis, NM
steve@nmpcs.com