Dr. Lonnie Randolph Jr.

1950 - 2024

Dr. Lonnie Randolph, Jr.

June 3, 1950 - October 19, 2024

Columbia, South Carolina - Lonnie Randolph, Jr., age 74, was born on June 3, 1950, in Columbia, South Carolina, as the second child of the late Pearl and Lonnie Randolph, Sr. He peacefully departed this life on Saturday, October 19, 2024.

Lonnie attended Richland County Public Schools and graduated from Dreher High School, Class of 1968. He pursued higher education at Benedict College, where he majored in biology and earned his Bachelor of Science degree in 1972. Following this, he attended the Southern College of Optometry in Memphis, Tennessee, graduating with his Doctor of Optometry degree in May 1977.

For over 44 years, Dr. Randolph maintained a private optometric practice in Columbia. He held contracts with the South Carolina Department of Juvenile Justice and the South Carolina Department of Corrections to provide essential optometric services. Dr. Randolph served as president of the South Carolina Optometric Physicians Association and was honored as Optometrist of the Year. Beyond his private practice, he founded Palmetto Health's free eye clinic, which provided eye care for K-12 students. He also served on the board of the Columbia Free Medical Clinic and contributed to the Diabetes Task Force of the South Carolina Commission for the Blind.

Dr. Randolph had a rich and enduring history of community service, dedicated to advancing human and civil rights. He served as president of the South Carolina State Conference of the NAACP for over 14 years and led the Columbia branch for more than a decade. Dr. Randolph also served as a trustee for the NAACP Special Contribution Fund, which provided essential funding to support the Association's programmatic initiatives. In recognition of his impactful work, he was awarded the South Carolina NAACP President Emeritus Medal in October 2017.

Dr. Randolph was a pivotal strategist in the Campaign for Dignity in South Carolina, which led efforts to remove the Confederate battle flag from the dome of the South Carolina State House. He also played an instrumental role in organizing the first King Day at the Dome event, which drew over 70,000 protesters from across the nation to this historic march and rally in Columbia.

Dr. Randolph served as chairman of the South Carolina Consumer Affairs Commission, contributing over 30 years of distinguished service. In 2011, in recognition of his enduring commitment to preserving human rights, he was awarded the Order of the Palmetto, South Carolina's highest civilian honor.

Described by his colleagues as a "visionary, passionate, uncompromising about his principles, a civil rights icon, courageous leader, problem solver," Dr. Randolph left a lasting impact on all who knew him.

Baptized at a young age, Lonnie became a devoted member of Zion Baptist Church in Columbia, South Carolina, with a deep love for the Lord. He enjoyed many hobbies, including reading, listening to jazz, watching and participating in sports, and lending a helping hand wherever it was needed.

Lonnie was preceded in death by his mother, Pearl Rennick Randolph; his father, Lonnie Randolph, Sr., and stepmother, Eloise G. Randolph; brother, John Arthur Randolph; brother-in-law, Dr. Cecil Ray Haltiwanger, Sr.; nephew, Cecil (Cece) Ray Haltiwanger, Jr.; and in-laws, Earl and Evelyn Reuben.

Lonnie leaves to cherish his memory his beloved wife of 51 years, Patricia Reuben Randolph; sisters, Joyce Randolph Haltiwanger and Phyllis Randolph; brother-in-law, James Rumph; nieces, Kimberly Haltiwanger and Dr. Cecily Joy Haltiwanger Adeleke; great-nephews, Jason Gabriel (Gabe) Adeleke and Micah Christian Adeleke; aunt, Barbara Chapman; along with cousins, God-children, close friends, and many other loving relatives and caring friends, all of whom will miss him dearly.

In lieu of flowers, the family kindly requests memorial contributions to support free eye health services. Please make donations payable to Community Partners of the Midlands, LLC. Please send correspondence to:

Well Partners Eye Clinic.

c/o Pam Martin, Director.

1818 Blanding Street.

Columbia, SC 29201.