Eugene "Gene" Ray Randig

Eugene “Gene” Ray Randig, 81, of Taylor passed away on Thursday, March 19, 2020 at the S.P.J.S.T. Nursing Home.

Gene was born on December 30, 1938 to Alfred “Jack” and Lillie (Rundberg) Randig in Taylor. Gene was a real country boy.  From an early age, he helped his family farm, ranch, milk cows, plus working at Monadale Gin during cotton harvest.  But there was still time to play sports. He lettered in all sports offered-football, basketball, and baseball.  His team won district in all sports in all four years of high school. He attended Nixon Clay Business College and worked at Gellman’s Department Store on Saturdays.  This is where he met Betty, a senior who worked at Austin Shoe Stores on Saturdays.  Gene liked to set up dates for his shy friends, but saved Betty for himself.  Two years later, he married the love of his life, Elizabeth “Betty” Doss, on April 22, 1960 in Taylor.

At that time, there was a military draft and Gene planned to join the National Guard. Life was never simple for Gene. On their first anniversary (the very day), Gene was catching a train to Ft. Leonard Wood, Missouri to start six months of bootcamp.  Then instead of coming home in six months, the 49 ^th National Guard was activated during the Berlin-Cuban Crisis and he was sent to Ft. Polk, Louisiana for another year.  After finally coming home, he worked as an insurance agent, then decided to go to work at Alcoa where he worked for 35 years. During this time, Gene and Betty were blessed with 3 sons. For 15 of those years, Gene coached each boy’s baseball team, sometimes simultaneously, and was also their 4-H leader for 15 years. After the sons married, they built houses on the homeplace and Betty and Gene were blessed again with 6 grandchildren. They enjoyed having their families next door and being included in their lives and all their activities.

Years went by and too soon, only memories remain. Gene will be remembered for his quick wit and sense of humor. He was full of energy and never met a stranger. He loved people and for many years, he was a deacon and served as a greeter at his home church, Hwy 95 Church of Christ in Taylor.

Gene was preceded in death by his parents; his only brother, Kenneth Roy Randig; and niece, Ronna Randig.

He is survived by his loving wife, Betty; three sons, Mike (Jo), Jim (Theresa), and Ron (Melissa); six grandchildren, Macey, Steven, Cody, Andrew, Amanda, and Mallory; sister-in-law, Juneva Randig; nephews, Robert (Lori) Randig, and Tommy Doss; brother-in-law- Danny (Joni); sister-in-law Joanne (Elton) Berry; nieces, Retta Randig, Jeanne Lanacre, Suzanne Simpkins, and Sophie (Brennon) Harston; and numerous great-nephews, great-nieces, extended family and friends.

Gene loved God, his country, family, his many friends, country living, and his cows.  His life was a life well lived.

The family would like to thank the staff at S.P.J.S.T. Nursing Home for their excellent, loving care.

At this time, we will be having a private service for immediate family only with a memorial service at a later date. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to Highway 95 Church of Christ in Taylor, P.O. Box 1255, Taylor, TX  76574; or to the American Cancer Society.