GEORGE BINFORD "RANDY" RANDOLPH

January 6, 1926 ~ September 11, 2010

George Binford "Randy" Randolph, 84, was born in Petaluma, CA on January 6, 1926 and passed away in Merced, CA on September 11, 2010.

Randy grew up in Novato and Alameda, CA, graduating from Alameda High School where he was student body president and a talented golfer who helped lead his team to the state championship in 1942. He attended the University of Michigan where he earned a BS in Engineering and met his wife of 64 years, Margaret "Maggie" Renfrew of Hazel Park, MI. He achieved the rank of lieutenant JG in the US Navy by age 20 and was regimental commander of his NROTC class.

After marrying Maggie in Detroit, MI on September 7, 1948, Randy seized an opportunity to return to California by opening a distributorship for the Trerris Company in San Francisco, eventually representing Republic Supply Company throughout the Bay Area. He moved his young family from Walnut Creek to Merced in 1961 and established the Merced Concrete Company and other area businesses, creating many local jobs.

Blessed with an abundance of energy, Randy breathed life into everything he did and thoroughly enjoyed life in the Merced community. Treasured for his positive outlook and "can-do" attitude, he was an active leader in numerous community organizations, including Rotary, Masons, American Legion, Boosters Club, Chamber of Commerce, United Way and Boy Scouts, to name a few. A ready toastmaster, he was esteemed for his gift of public speaking. So many were his contributions to the community that in 1983, the Merced City Chamber of Commerce named him Man of the Year.

Randy loved work, was treasured for his business acumen, and remained active as one of the owners of Soil Stabilization Products Company until the day he died. Not only did he work hard, he played hard and loved sports. An avid golfer, he served as president of the Merced Golf & Country Club. He loved sailing, was a member of the Lake Yosemite Sailing Association and even built his own sailboat. He was a founding president of the Castle Air Museum, rode his bicycle to the office until the age of 82, and traveled the world with Elder Hostel and Merced College. He enjoyed wine-making, bridge, tennis, camping, fishing, and family retreats in Santa Cruz and Big Piney, WY. An elder at Central Presbyterian Church, he loved the Bible, memorized many passages, and was very active in Gideons. Possessing a beautiful voice, he sang baritone in the church choir his whole life. He enjoyed collaborating with his beloved wife in her many community activities, often calling himself "Mr. Ma ggie." He will be deeply missed by many.

Predeceased by his parents, Benton and Gertrude (Binford) Randolph, brother Binford, sisters Mae Soderlund and Virginia Weber, and brothers-in-law James Weber, Hank Soderlund, and James Renfrew; he is survived by his loving wife Maggie; three sons Robert "Bob," Samuel, and Paul; three daughters-in-law Jan Child, Tralee Luxon Randolph, and Rose Randolph, all of Merced; four grandchildren, Paul Randolph, Tiffany Villanueva, and Erika Pryor of Merced, and Robert Child of Arroyo Grande; five great-grandchildren Alexander and William Villanueva of Merced, Maryn and Aidan Pryor of Merced, and Ezra Hill of Arroyo Grande; sister-in-law Betty Campbell of Venice, FL and brother-in-law Murray Renfrew of Sarasota, FL; plus a large extended family, including Andrew Luxon of Merced whom he treated like a son.

There will be a memorial service on Sunday, September 19, 2010 at 2:00pm in the sanctuary at Central Presbyterian Church, located at 520 West 20th Street in Merced, with a reception following across the street at Hoffmeister Center, 1920 Canal Street. For more information, contact the Central Presbyterian Church office at (209)723-0491.

Memorials in Randy's name are suggested to Gideons International (PO Box 2683, Merced, CA 95344), Central Presbyterian Church Deacon's Fund (1920 Canal St. Merced, CA 95340), or Merced College Foundation (3600 "M" St. Merced, CA 95348).

You are encouraged to share your condolences and memories in the online guest book at mercedsunstar.com