Randy Carl Brightbill

1964 - 2021

Randy Carl Brightbill
Lubbock - Randy Carl Brightbill, devoted son, husband, father, grandy, friend to everyone, and baby brother of the Brightbill Clan, passed away at the age of 56 on February 8, 2021 due to Covid Pneumonia complications. He was gregarious and had a huge sense of humor and will be missed by all. Few people are fortunate enough to meet such an extraordinary person in their lifetime, and those surviving him feel blessed to have been a part of his short and loving life.
Randy was a West Texas Farmer and never had a desire to be anything but. He followed literally in his daddy's farmer footsteps almost since the time of his birth on October 6, 1964, and never left his roots. By the time Randy was 15, he was farming with his dad on 240 acres on the Home Place. From that point on, he never wanted to do anything else. After graduation from Abernathy High in 1982, he continuing to work with his dad on the farm. He said that there was no greater joy in his life than to be able to spend every day with his dad, doing the thing he most enjoyed in life. In 1991, big brother Jerry came back to the farm, and together with his parents, Bruce and Dorothy Brightbill, they continued the farming legacy of generations before them and for him, to live out a life that he chose, full of passion and to live each day just as he wanted.
Randy never saw a challenge that couldn't be met head-on, or a task that couldn't be accomplished. Everything could be improved, removed, redecorated, or added to. He always took on any project in his usual Randy flair, not just with the goal of getting it done, but doing it bigger, better, stronger, and flashier than any normal person would see to do it. The partnership with his brother Jerry Brightbill was a perfect pairing that allowed them to form their next venture, South Plains Precision Ag, Inc. in Plainview TX. As technology emerged in the agricultural world, Jerry's talent for technology and Randy' skill in farming gave them the opportunity to introduce auto-guided technology to farms across West Texas and Eastern New Mexico. Randy also served on the Cotton Center Gin Board.
Paul Harvey, describes the farmer, "And on the 8th day, God looked down on his planned paradise and said, 'I need a caretaker.' So God made a farmer." Today, everyone that ever had a chance to spend even a few moments with Randy knows, on this day, we have now lost an incomparable one of God's caretakers.
God said, "I need somebody willing to work hard and plant a crop, watch it grow," and watch the West Texas weather wipe it out," to then dry his eyes and say, 'Maybe next year.' One who can fix anything with baling wire and duct tape. -- so God made a Farmer.
The farmer has to be an optimist or he wouldn't still be a farmer." Randy was an eternal optimist whose respectful and personable nature ensured that he never met a stranger.
He was a perfectionist by nature, but had one of the kindest, most loving and generous souls anyone could imagine. Both of his parents had periods in their lives that involved prolonged care. Randy was the one that sat up all night on many nights in hospital rooms, often sleeping in a chair to make sure they got the proper care.
Like him, Randy's tractor is now at rest, but the fruit of his labor lives on in the family he raised. He married the love of his life Janey Brightbill on September 23, 2011, who survives him in Lubbock TX. Together they breathed new breath into each other's world, and tackled new adventures, living life at full speed ahead each and every day, just as Randy did all his life. He worked hard when it was time to do so, but he loved to play just as hard. They loved to travel, and most especially enjoyed their "other" life in Mexico. Their casa was su casa and everyone was always welcomed by the gracious host and life of the party. He loved to cook and host family dinners and special events at their little paradise retreat at Buffalo Springs Lake. He was a maniac with his jet ski and could be heard laughing his infectious laughter as he twisted and jumped and entertained.
Randy actively engaged in the raising of four children, Chris Brightbill and wife Agnes of Dallas TX, Matthew Brightbill and his wife, Teresa of Abernathy, Jennifer Hale, and John Hale, both of Lubbock TX. All four have chosen careers that will make a difference in this world and so his legacy of giving back will continue. He also leaves behind 5 grandchildren, Christopher, Aaron, Kathryn, Trevor, and Robert
He is also survived by 3 brothers, Jerry Brightbill and wife Linda of Plainview TX, Darryl Brightbill and wife Pat of Abernathy, TX, and David Brightbill and wife Joyce of Monrovia MD. Randy was preceded in death by his parents, Bruce and Dorothy Brightbill.
Randy was raised, just as most farmers, with deep spiritual beliefs that carried him to the end of his life. He knew that He would eventually walk with His Heavenly Father and never feared death because of it. He knew God would provide for all of his needs and never was disappointed. There was never a meal that you didn't stop before you ate, and thank the Good Lord for providing. His Faith paved his journey home.
Randy doesn't wish for any to mourn his passing, but instead to party, so a celebration of this amazing man's life will be planned at a later date, when it is safe to hug and laugh and tell stories and celebrate a life "Well Done."
In the meantime, he would want, if you chance to reflect upon his life, take a walk in the country, feel the breeze and the sun. At night look to the sky, see the lights of heaven shining through the stars and enjoy what God has given us. And most of all, hold the ones you love tight, don't waste time being mad, just tell them you love them, and cherish them. Take the day off and make the memories that will carry you through, until we meet again. Thank you God for creating this farmer, he planted seeds in our lives that will continue to harvest goodness for generations to come.
In lieu of flowers, if you would like to donate, please consider the Ronald McDonald House. You can do so at RMHCSouthwest.com. Hit donate - In Memory of Randy Brightbill, 2810 N Quincy, Plainview TX 79072.