Randy Kuykendall

Randy Dean Kuykendall was born May 11, 1952 in Amarillo, Texas into a loving family with parents Glenn and Mary Kuykendall and later his sister, Sheryl. Randy began his elementary education at San Jacinto Elementary in Amarillo but was part of Keyes Elementary from his 2nd through 5th grades when his dad worked at the Helium Plant in Keyes, Oklahoma. After the family moved back to Amarillo the summer of ’64 Randy finished Avondale Elementary. Sam Houston Jr. High filled the gap to Tascosa HIgh School, where Randy graduated early in 1970. During these late teen years, Randy’s creative side expressed itself in Midnight Cry, a local band that played around the Amarillo area and included Don Self, Randy’s future brother-in-law. (I think the quote is “Chicks dig band guys!”) Pursuing his left-brain giftings, Randy went to Amarillo College to gain an Associates of Science Degree in 1971. Then on to West Texas University, (now West Texas A & M University) where Randy earned a Bachelor of Business Administration degree graduating May 12, 1973. After college, Randy set out on a variety of ventures. He spent a year in Nashville working with musician Levoy Dewey, then back to Amarillo for a bit, and out to California for another year helping a friend with church worship. Drawn back to Amarillo, Randy started a job with Crowe-Gulde where he saw the most gorgeous girl he had ever seen. She was unwilling to date someone in the same office, so Randy had to get a transfer before Ginger would go out with him. Even the normally unostentatious Randy was ecstatic when Ginger agreed to his proposal and they were married September 1, 1979. Randy and Ginger were active in many areas of life. They attended First Assembly of God and later Trinity Fellowship. At Trinity, Randy played in the worship band, ran audio and helped with an early recording (back in the days when you recorded 24 tracks of analog sound on 2 inch tape.) Both Randy and Ginger participated in small group ministry and later hosted and lead small groups. Not everyone knew the strong pastoral heart residing in Randy. The family grew in 1983 when Chris was born and later Terrel filled out the home in 1987. Randy was a big man at 6‘3” and he had a big heart for his family. He attended scouts and band concerts and swim meets. He was very proud of both his sons. After getting family life established, Randy went back to West Texas University, studied hard and secured a Masters of Professional Accounting in 1985. The oil and gas downturn in the late 1980s impelled Randy to find employment outside of Amarillo so in 1989, Grapevine, Texas was graced with the Kuykendall family. Randy worked in accounting for some major petroleum companies as well as for David Jacobs. During this season of life, music, and especially music applied to church worship, was a major pastime for Randy. He played electric guitar for Metroplex Chapel for most of the 1990s and early 2000s. He also played for other churches on occasion. In addition, he gathered material and momentum for recording, which was a continuing passion of his. Over the past several years Randy and family have been blessed to be active in Gateway Church, a great body of loving Christians. Almost two years ago Randy wasn’t feeling well - couldn’t shake a cold. Turned out to be more than a cold. For these last months, he chose to continue to live in faith focused on his Lord Jesus, in hope for healing here or in heaven and in love for his family and friends. A few comments from facebook might sum things up: Randy was one of the good guys you meet in life. He was one of the bravest men I've ever known. We grieve not for where he is, but for where he is not. He was a great man of great faith. Durning his illness he was always so positive & strong. His thoughts were not about himself but about his family. Whether Randy is right now playing guitar licks that would chagrin Stevie Ray Vaughan or talking with Chris about how true science fiction is political in nature or reminiscing with his dad Glenn, we don’t know. We do know that even in life’s disappointment and heartache Randy chose to be solid - consistent in his belief and love. Oh, and in the last 18 months he finished a dozen musical pieces and songs to produce his first recording! Way to go, Randy! Randyʼs dad, Glenn and son Chris wholeheartedly welcomed Randy Wednesday morning, November 5th. Randy’s wife, Ginger, son, Terrel, mother, Mary, sister Sheryl with husband Don, sister-in-law Becky, brother-in-law Stuart with wife Wendy, many nephews, nieces, extended family and lots of friends do grieve that Randy is not with us now. But they can look with hope toward a day. To send flowers or a memorial gift to the family of Randy Kuykendall please visit our Sympathy Store.