Randall E. West's Obituary
Randall E. West, a resident of Mandeville, Louisiana, passed away on Friday, April 4th, 2025, at the age of 76. Born on January 27, 1949, in Pensacola, Florida, Randy lived a full and impactful life, leaving behind a legacy of leadership, mentorship, and deep love for his family.
Randy was preceded in death by his parents, E. Howard and Loma Owen West, and his beloved son, Joshua Miller West. He is survived by his devoted wife of 53 years, Anita Miller West; his daughter, Allyson West Lavender (Dan Lavender); his cherished grandchildren, Thomas Daniel Lavender III and Callie Mae Lavender; and his sister, Judith Dianne West.
A proud graduate of Pensacola High School, Randy continued his education at Mississippi College, where he earned a Bachelor’s degree in Finance and, more importantly, met his beautiful bride, Anita. Their enduring partnership became the cornerstone of his life.
Randy built a long and distinguished career in the transportation industry. Starting at the rental counter of Hertz in Jackson, Mississippi, his sharp intellect and unwavering dedication propelled him through the ranks to c-suite positions at Ryder and several other prominent companies. What set Randy apart was his ability to recognize potential in others, investing his time and energy in mentoring countless individuals who flourished under his guidance. His career took he and Anita across the Southeast, but their hearts always belonged to South Louisiana, where they made Mandeville their cherished home for over two decades.
Beyond his professional achievements, Randy embraced life with enthusiasm. He was an avid golfer and a passionate supporter of the New Orleans Saints and LSU Tigers. On any given Monday, you could find him savoring his favorite meal of red beans and rice. He loved a series of dogs, spoiling them all and declaring each to be exceptionally wonderful, especially Thibodeau, the dog that survives him.
Randy possessed a keen business acumen that remained with him even in retirement, as he continued to mentor aspiring professionals. He held high standards for those around him, inspiring them to strive for excellence. With his natural conversational ease and infectious sense of humor, Randy had a remarkable ability to make everyone feel comfortable and valued. His Christian faith was an integral part of his being, shaping his interactions and leaving a lasting impression on those who knew him.
While Randy achieved significant success in his career, his greatest pride was his family. He admired Anita’s culinary talents and her selfless dedication to serving others. He was immensely proud of his son, Josh, whose brilliant mind and compassionate heart which was obvious by his interest in physics, music and spirituality. He also deeply admired his daughter, Allyson, who inherited his tenacity and business acumen, following in his footsteps in the transportation industry. In his later years, Randy found immense joy in his grandchildren. He treasured his golf outings with Thomas and delighted in the spirited conversations and matching wits with Callie Mae. He also enjoyed a loving bond with his older sister, Judith, who served as a pillar of support for their tight-knit family.
In lieu of flowers, the family kindly requests that donations be made to the Josh West Memorial Scholarship Fund at Montreat Conference Center, Office of Development PO Box 969, Montreat NC 28757 or Covington Presbyterian Church, 222 S Jefferson Covington, LA 70433 honoring Randy's memory and his commitment to the growth and development of others.
A Celebration of Life will be held on Sunday, May 4th, 2025, at 2:30 PM at Covington Presbyterian Church, 222 South Jefferson Avenue, Covington, LA 70433 with visitation beginning at 1:30 PM until service time.
E.J. Fielding Funeral Home has been entrusted with funeral arrangements. Please sign the guestbook at www.ejfieldingfh.com.
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