Randall James Goss

Randall James Goss

Of Austin, Texas, passed away on November 21, 2025, at the age of 74. Randy was a beloved husband, father, brother, uncle, leader, and dear friend to many. The son of a naval officer, Randy was born at the Naval Hospital in Bainbridge, Maryland, on August 18, 1951, but once the family returned to their native Dallas following his father's deployment, he considered himself a lifelong Texan. Growing up in Dallas, Randy was active in Boy Scouts, earning the rank of Eagle Scout. He graduated from Bryan Adams High School in 1969, where he was a standout wide receiver. He then went on to attend Southern Methodist University on a full athletic scholarship, playing football for the Mustangs and lettering three years. At SMU, while earning his Bachelor of Science in Civil Engineering and a Master of Business Administration, Randy was also an active member of Phi Gamma Delta (FIJI) fraternity and the Fellowship of Christian Athletes. Perhaps most importantly, while at SMU, Randy met the love of his life, Rhonda Lynn Bonham, and the two never parted until the day he passed. Randy's professional career spanned over four decades within the water and wastewater utilities industry. After rising to the position of Deputy Director at the City of Dallas Water Utility in 1989, he took on the role of Director of the City of Austin Water and Wastewater Department. In 2000, he became Director of Water at the Lower Colorado River Authority. Notable career accomplishments for Randy included securing a landmark half-century water supply deal for the City of Austin and Central Texas region; serving as Chair and then Director of the Texas chapter of the American Water Works Association; receiving recognition from the Environmental Protection Agency for contributions to safe drinking water; and serving on Vice President Al Gore's committee to ensure water systems across the United States were Y2K compliant. After retiring, Randy split his time between Austin and Taos, New Mexico, where he enjoyed his love of the outdoors and his newfound hobbies of oil painting, woodworking, and avidly reading historical nonfiction. With his wife, Rhonda, he also developed a love for travel, visiting many countries across Europe, the Middle East, and the Holy Land, in addition to numerous national parks, campsites, and places of natural beauty throughout the United States. In retirement, he also served on the Board for the SMU Lyle School of Engineering and the Board of SMU-in-Taos. A devout Christian, Randy was a member of Northwest Bible Church in Dallas, then Grace Covenant Church in Austin, and Calvary Church in Taos, New Mexico. In his churches, he devoted himself to teaching Bible studies, leading youth clubs, serving as an Elder, and preaching when called upon. He volunteered his time and energy to help build a Christian camp in Quer?taro, Mexico; install clean drinking water systems in Reynosa, Mexico; construct an orphanage in Guatemala; and build youth centers in Austin. He helped build the ministry of Mission Possible in Austin and served on its board, supporting the homeless and impoverished communities of the city. His devotion to Jesus and his Christian faith were his greatest sources of strength and hope. Randy was a loving family man, committed to caring for his wife and children with kindness, patience, and selflessness. He coached his kids' sports teams, led Scout troops, and taught youth group Bible studies. His legendary weeks-long canoe trips through the lower canyon of Big Bend with family and friends will be fondly remembered. He created "Camp-Run-Amok" at the Taos house, where his grandkids spent summer vacations hiking in the New Mexico mountains, making creative art and wood projects, playing tournaments of bocce, mini-golf, pickleball, basketball, and 4-Square, and participating in skit and s'mores nights. His commitment to family leaves a legacy of love that will endure through the generations. Randy is survived by his wife of 52 years, Rhonda (Bonham) Goss; his sister, Janis (Goss) Harless, of Arlington, Virginia; his brother, David Goss of Dallas; and his three children: Julie (Goss) Clawson of Austin, Alan Goss of Austin, and Kyle Goss and his wife, Margot, of Dallas. He was lovingly known as "Papa" to his eight grandchildren: Emma, Aidan, Sophia, Porter, Grayson, Marin, Mara, and Marlo. He was preceded in death by his parents, Roland "Stormy" and Kathryn "Katie" Goss of Dallas, Texas. Family and friends are invited to attend a Celebration of Life service at Grace Covenant Church (9431 Jollyville Road, Austin, Texas 78759) on January 10th at 10:00 a.m. In lieu of flowers, the family invites you to make a donation to the ALS Association or Fellowship of Christian Athletes in Randy's honor.