Randy Dalton

Randy James Dalton, 69, of Paragould, Arkansas, passed from this life to his heavenly home on January 1, 2026. He was born January 14, 1956, in Piggott, Arkansas, to Ralph James Dalton and Louise (Sanford) Dalton.
Randy was a devoted servant of the Lord whose life reflected his deep love for Jesus and for people. From an early age, he understood that faith was meant to be lived out through service. He began his career as a maintenance supervisor at the Wise Company in Piggott, where he worked faithfully for many years. Later, answering what he believed was God's calling, he earned a master's degree in education and spent 30 years as a special education teacher, impacting countless students and families with patience, compassion, and unwavering encouragement.
Randy's heart especially belonged to young people. He served as a youth pastor in several area churches and leaves behind a generation of adults who he proudly called "his kids." Through youth trips, late-night conversations, weekend bonfires, and everyday moments, Randy poured into teens, pointing them to Christ and helping shape their faith and character.
He also loved serving others through food, especially smoking meats and barbecuing. For many summers, he could be found working the Bar-B-Que stand at the St. Francis Picnic alongside his brother-in-law, the late Leon Whitlock-one of his favorite yearly ministries.
Randy was preceded in death by his parents; his son, Rodney James Dalton; grandparents Marvin and Lola Sandford and Jack and Hattie Dalton; sister-in-law Virginia Demay; and brothers-in-law Don Crittenden and Glen Crittenden.
He is survived by his sister, Barbara (Larry) Moody of Piggott; nephew Chris (Sarah) Moody of Poplar Bluff; daughters Miranda (Tim) Cavaness and Casey Dalton, both of Paragould; their mother, Rose Gramling of Paragould; grandchildren Carter and Alayna Cavaness; devoted caregivers great niece Felicia Moore and great great niece Alexis Dickens; sisters-in-law Barbara Whitlock, Linda (Jeff) Childers, Teresa (Greg) Davis; brother-in-law Carlos (Ann) Crittenden and Jerry Blackwell; and a host of family and friends.
A celebration of life will be held Sunday, January 11, 2025 from 4:00–6:00 p.m. at the former Gravel Hill Church building in St. Francis, with a meal served at 5:00 p.m. In lieu of flowers, please consider making a donation to either the Arrows Academy scholarship fund or Northeast Arkansas Christian Homeschool Educators -Athletic Fund. Both are 501c3 entities supporting the gospel centered education of children. To send flowers to the family or plant a tree in memory of Randy, please visit our floral store.