Nelson Latham "Randy" Rand

Nelson "Randy" Latham Rand, a resident of Colonial Heights, died at his home surrounded by his family on April 8, 2009, after a courageous battle with cancer.

Randy was a member of St. Mark's United Methodist Church, Petersburg. He was born in Portland, Maine, on Jan. 27, 1939, to Erlon W. Rand and Vesta Ella Phoenix. He attended Deering High School and worked in Maine for several years as a mechanic while his three children were young. He has been a resident of Virginia for the past 35 years.

Randy is predeceased by his son, Bruce Rand; his oldest daughter, Theresa Rand; his sister, Caroline Albano; and brother, Vernon Rand.

Randy worked for Priority Toyota (formerly Martin Toyota) for the past 27 years until his illness prevented him from enjoying the company of his "family" at the dealership. His position as maintenance director afforded him the pleasure of being out and about to share a smile with his friends on a daily basis. He was an avid NASCAR racing fan and hobbies included fishing, camping, traveling and college sports.

He is survived by his devoted companion of 29 years, Audrey "Peggy" T. Norman; her children, Patsy Dean and James L. Dean III; his daughter, Sandra Barfield; his grandchildren, Kristin and Jason Wears, Jennifer & Kenny Elder, and Carrie Barfield; great-grandchildren, Jordan Myers, Philip Mayes, Cori, Luke and Logan Wears; a brother, Wilbur Rand of Portland, Maine, and several nieces and nephews in Maine and New Hampshire. He also leaves behind his loving friends, Mary Ann Tyner, Leslie and Fred Parrish, Clint Holmes, Jimmy Dean, David and Darlene Sweat, Allen and Becky Blaylock, and Linda and Jerry Montgomery.

A memorial service will be held at 6 p.m. Tuesday, April 14, 2009, in the Colonial Heights Chapel of the E. Alvin Small Funeral Homes & Crematory, 2033 Boulevard with the Rev. Ray Haskett officiating. Interment private. In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to the American Cancer Society, 4240 Park Place Court, Glen Allen, VA 23058 or Crater Community Hospice, 3916 S. Crater Road, Petersburg, VA 23805. Condolences may be registered at www.ealvinsmall.com.