Randall Corey

Randall Corey passed peacefully into eternity on January 2, 2025 at his home in Norfolk, VA. Born on August 20,1954, his 70 years were filled with passion and purpose, making the most of each day. Randy was predeceased by his father Robert Corey; sister Robin Luark; nephew Michael Trammell; and niece Jessica Trammell. He is survived by his wife Suzette; children Jeanette and her husband Hunter Banks, Josiah, Elizabeth, and Samuel; mother Winnifred Corey; nephew Jonathan Trammell; and other extended family members, including the Moores, the birth family he was thankful to know.
Randy's childhood on a dairy farm in Byron, Michigan instilled in him the importance of family and hard work, and a love of gardening. Though he left the farm, these values affected the way he approached life. After earning a BA in Sacred Music at Bob Jones University, he was ordained and served as a youth pastor and minister of music in Menomonee Falls, Wisconsin, then moved into action-filled years of teaching and coaching at Providence Christian School in Riverview, Florida. There he met Suzy, his wife of 35 years.
At age 34, Randy began his military career as an Army bandsman. This provided him the opportunity to travel the world, even if the accommodations were rarely first-class. Everywhere Randy lived, his door was open for others to enjoy amazing meals, from homemade pizza to turducken, and take informative walks through his extensive gardens. His two years as the Enlisted Director of the USAREUR Soldiers' Chorus in Heidelberg, Germany were a highlight of this era, but the apex was the blessing of four children he dearly loved. Randy nurtured a love for music and reading, coached their sports teams, and taught them hands-on more about gardening than they wanted to know.
Retirement from the Army in 2006 brought the family back to Hampton Roads and allowed Randy to move into full-time ministry. After several years as the Associate Director of Sought Out Ministries, he pursued an MA in Counseling from Regent University and began Pastoral Care Ministries. Randy walked with hundreds of men on their paths to freedom in Christ and found great joy in seeing those he had mentored continue offering the same grace to others when ALS took his voice. Randy served in many areas at New Life Church, but took the most delight in prayer ministry. He prayed with anyone who would let him, in the church and on the street.
The last leg of Randy's journey on this Earth was difficult, but not without purpose. Thank you to those who faithfully prayed for Randy's healing. All is well. Special appreciation goes to Dr. Tekle and the VA's Home-based Primary Care Team, as well as Maxim Healthcare, especially nurses Amy, Anita, Vanessa, Christina, and Rebecca. Now his story continues in heaven with his Saviour, where Randy has surely found a garden to tend.
Memorial donations may be made to New Life Church Missions Dept. or Virginia Children's Chorus.