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Gilbert CHURCH Obituary
Mr. Church retired in 1978, as a Civil Service printer at Ft. Eustis, after 23 years of service. In 1973, he established Church Enterprises with his wife, which he currently owned and operated. Randolph was a member of Liberty Baptist Church and enjoyed traveling locally and abroad. He loved to spoil his grandchildren and great-grandchildren and enjoyed a good piece of pie whenever he could.
Survivors include his wife of 53 years, Jeanette C. Church; three sons, Michael R. Church and his wife, Lucy of Vero Beach, Fla., Mark A. Church and his wife, Lisa of Hampton, and Dale C. Church of Tabb; one sister, Jackie Ingram of Newport News; three granddaughters, Lauren Anne Church, Erica Jordan Church, and Rachel Elizabeth Church; two great-grandsons, Colby F. Loza and Caleb B. Church; and was 'PaPa' to Daniil Herashchanka and Yana Sleigher.
The family will receive friends from 3 to 4:30 p.m. Sunday, April 11, 2010, at W. J. Smith & Son Funeral Home. A funeral service will be at 1 p.m. Monday, April 12, at the funeral home chapel, with the Rev. Joe Hunt officiating. Burial will follow at Peninsula Memorial Park.
Memorial donations may be made to Liberty Baptist Church, Building Fund, 1021 Big Bethel Road, Hampton, VA 23666; or COPD Foundation (Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease), 2937 SW 27th Avenue, Suite 302, Miami, FL 33133.
Please leave condolences at www.wjsmithandsonfh.com.
Arrangements by W. J. Smith & Son Funeral Home. View and post condolences on our online guestbook at dailypress.com/guestbooks.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for Gilbert CHURCH
Virgle & Bettie Cunningham
April 13, 2010
Dear Jeanette:We were so very sorry to heaar of Randolph's death. We admired you both so much as a couple. What a loss it is to lose a life partner. We cannot possible know the depth of your grief because we have not yet walked that path--we can only imagin, and our hearts are heavy as we lift you and your family up to God.
Jim Leftwich
April 12, 2010
To Jeanette and family: I was saddened to learn of Randolph's passing. My prayers to you and your family for your loss. I have fond memories of your husband.
Rendy Dickinson
April 12, 2010
To the family of Randolph Church-
My thoughts and prayers are with your family. May the memories confort you during your time of grief.
Todd and Rendy Dickinson
Newport News, Virginia
Harriet & Lamar Jolly
April 12, 2010
Dear Jeanette and Family: We are so sorry to learn of Randolph's passing. Please accept our sincere condolence. May God comfort you and give you peace as you learn to live without him in your daily lives but in full knowledge that you will see him again on that blissful morn.
Nancy Branch
April 12, 2010
Over 30 years ago, a small neighborhood was formed. We were busy with our homes, our children, everyday life. We came and went giving a wave to our neighbors. We did not realize as the years passed so quickly and our children had moved on to start their lives that we were left with our neighbors; people that we trusted. Your friends, neighbors, and somehow over 30 years, you realize they are like extended family. They mind their business, you mind your business, and you always know if you need them for anything, they are there. We have lost one of our neighborhood family members and he will be so missed. Thank-you Jeanette and Randolph for given us that friendly wave back, for given us our precious memories and for making it easier to "LOVE THY NEIGHBOR."
Love, Nancy and Walt
Mary Smiley
April 12, 2010
Jeanette,
Bob & I want you to know that we are saddened by this news. We pray that our Savior will wrap His arms around you and your family and give you comfort at this time of loss.
April 12, 2010
Randolf always had a smile and a kind word each and every time I saw him. I will always remember that. Our love goes out to you. Bob & Regina Coleman (Chesapeake, VA)
Glenn McGinnis, Jr.
April 11, 2010
Jenny, Mike, Mark and Dale, Randolph was a great mentor to me and I have always loved him. He will be missed; my heart is with you in your time of sorry. We all KNOW where he is and that in the arms of Christ he is much better now than we are here. It only slightly makes the pain better. I know your heart is breaking and mine is also. I have many, many fond memories of Randolph and the many trips our family made in the early years of the business. The vacation and month plan was quite a ride.
Jason & Debbie Brown
April 11, 2010
My apologies for messing up the names of the grandchildren. I meant Lauren, Erica and Rachel.
Carlos Parker
April 11, 2010
Dear Jeanette,
My wife Sonia and I offer our most deep and sincere condolences in your hour of sadness. You and Randolph touched me in a very special way. It’s always hard to see our loved ones depart, the consolation is that Randolph is now with the Lord and some day we will join him and sit at the wedding table with our Savior and drink the fourth cup of wine at the Passover feast.
With all our love,
Carlos & Sonia Parker
(Down line from Perry & Johanna)
April 11, 2010
Randolph and Jeanette has had a profound impact on my life as we have known them for 30 years and our lives are remarkably better because of Randolph Church. Our love and prayers are with Jeanette and their family. Charles and Laquetta Prince/Houston,Tx
Jason & Debbie Brown
April 11, 2010
You were a great man who will be missed by many!! You are in our thoughts, along with the entire Church family! We love you all. Our condolences to Jenny, Dale, Mike(Lucy), and Mark(Lisa) on the loss of your husband and father. And also to the grandchildren, Lauren, Erica, and Sarah...and great grandchildren. And also Danik and Yana.
Sally Brown
April 10, 2010
Our sincere condolences to Jeanette and all who love this man. We thank our God for being fortunate to know such a kind and loving person as Randolph. Til we meet agian.....Love, Clarence and Sally Brown
April 10, 2010
To the Church Family, we send our thoughts and prayers, Mr. Church will be greatly missed.
Jim and Betty Fernald
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