Randy

Randy, the youngest and only son, attended Forest Park Senior High School and graduated with the Class of 1977. He married early, and alongside his wife, they welcomed their son, Robert, before the marriage failed. 

In 1985, Randy’s desire to serve his country found its fulfillment as he enlisted in the U.S. Army. Johnnie and Lucile beamed with pride as they witnessed his boot camp graduation.

Diane, Lucile, and Tammy

 

Boot camp graduation. Randy was the platoon leader.

Randy served in Company D, 1st Battalion

Johnnie and Randy

Randy served for 20 years, including a yearlong deployment in support of Operation Iraqi freedom with the 277th Maintenance Company. The photos below capture moments from that significant period of his life. 

Lucile, her great grandson Nicholas, and Kayla waiting for Randy to deploy

Diane, Randy, and Lucile

Lucile had faced deployment with Johnnie,
now with her son Randy

Randy, his wife Vanessa, and daughters
Jennah and Kayla

Randy says goodbye to Jennah as he deploys for Kuwait

Randy in Kuwait

After retiring from the military in 2006, Randy joined Chick-Fil-A Corporate Headquarters, where he worked for 14 years. However, in 2020, he received a life-changing diagnosis: amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS), linked to his service near a large burn pit in Kuwait. The Veterans Administration declared him 100 percent disabled in 2020 due to this debilitating condition. 

Vanessa, Randy’s devoted wife, now serves as his primary caregiver. Together, they navigate life one day at a time, supported by their two daughters—Kayla and Jennah. Randy and Vanessa’s marriage began in August 1988, and their bond is strengthened by the love and care they share.

Johnnie held Vanessa in high regard, treating her as if she were his own daughter. Her presence brought joy to the family, and Johnnie cherished her as part of their close-knit circle.

Randy, Johnnie, and their pet parakeet

Randy and Johnnie Marston (1964)

Johnnie and Randy

Vanessa, Randy, Lucile, and Johnnie

Throughout the years, Johnnie and Lucile faithfully visited the graves of their ancestors. Accompanied by Diane, Nancy, and Randy, they gathered at the cemetery, often with Leola, paying their respects and sharing stories about their family’s history. Randy has continued this solemn tradition, honoring the memory of those who came before him, as shown in the photos below.

Randy at Stacks family graves