Walter S. Randall, III

The National Funeral Directors & Morticians Association, Inc. announces the transition of Mr. Walter S. Randall, IIII, Grandfather of National Headquarters Administrative Assistant, Andres Jones.

The National Funeral Directors & Morticians Association, Inc. sincerely sympathizes with the Randall Family. May God continue to watch over you all. We give you this one thought to keep, "Although it's difficult today to see beyond sorrow, may looking back in memory help comfort you tomorrow."

On November 19, 1955, in Albany, Georgia, Walter S. Randall, III took his first breath, blessing his late parents, Cecilia Jackson and Walter S. Randall II.

Walter moved to Atlanta, Georgia at an early age, where he was educated through the Atlanta Public School system and graduated from Price High School in 1973. Following graduation, he proudly chose to serve his country by joining the U.S. Navy & serving as an aircraft mechanic during the Vietnam War. As the war came to an end, his primary focus shifted to his goal of loving and parenting his children.

Later, Walter earned his degree from the Johnson & Wales Culinary School. His love for cooking and creating extraordinary dishes earned him the beloved nickname “Chef Walt.” He was frequently sought after by culinary professionals to provide his immaculate meals. His prestigious client list included Proof of the Pudding, the world-famous Georgia Dome, Georgia Tech, Atlanta Tech, and BellSouth. When he wasn't collaborating with those major entities, he prepared delicious meals for numerous catering companies, restaurant owners, and prominent music performers. Walter was famous for his unique twist on Southern cuisine. His clients would request his famous "Million-Dollar Mac", his sweet pies and collard greens. However, his favorite dish to prepare was "Chicken Marsala with a kiss," as he fondly put it.

Walter experienced some rough patches during his 70 years on earth. One of the toughest moments imaginable was the passing of his mother. That loss ultimately led him down a path of deep reflection and recovery. With the Serenity Prayer guiding him, he spent the past 13 years consistently and successfully maintaining his sobriety. As his health began to fail, he courageously continued his journey by rejecting any pain medication that would cause him to “lose his time.” During this spiritual journey, Walter received God’s forgiveness and was baptized by Pastor Kerwin B. Lee alongside his son, Mentea, in a special service at Berean Christian Church.

Walter's favorite pastime was watching Raiders football games. Additionally, for as long as he could, he allowed his profound love for music and his ability to create amazing food day in and day out to shine a bright light on everyone who crossed his path.

Whether you called him Walt, Papa, Walter Mae, Granddad, Daddy, Bro Law, Unc, Soldier, Boyfriend, “D.O.M.” (a title reserved for his most cherished loved one), Dad, or friend, he left an indelible impression that will forever be remembered.

His beautiful legacy will live on, cherished deeply by those who survive him: his loving and dedicated wife, Janene Reese-Randall; his four children, Sonda (Dana), Abernathy, Candice (Joseph) Buckle, Mentea (Domonique) Randall, and Robert Randall; his five bonus children, Chris Kenny, Malcolm Purvis, NeeNahjah (Tziporah) Purvis, Azsan (Nyria) Purvis, and Foster Baskerville; 26 grandchildren; and one great-grandson. He also leaves behind his mother-in-love, Janice (Terrence) Martin; father-in-love, George Reese; and two special nephews: Joseph (a.k.a. "Name It"), his music buddy, and Omari, his “Tell me something” food buddy, as well as a host of extended family members and close friends.