Mr. Randy Whitehead

Funeral services for Mr. Randall Taylor Whitehead, 65, of Henderson, will be at 10:00 a.m., Thursday, October 17, 2024 at Crawford - A. Crim Funeral Home chapel with Pastor William Jace Roberts officiating. Interment will follow at Bethel Cemetery under the direction of Crawford - A. Crim Funeral Home of Henderson. Visitation will be from 5:00 - 7:00 p.m., Wednesday, October 16, 2024 at the funeral home. Randall passed away unexpectedly at his home in the Goodsprings community on Sunday, October 13, 2024. Born on a warm Thursday in June, 1959, Randall was the youngest child of Taylor and Toni Whitehead. His arrival was met with pure joy—two big sisters eager to welcome him and a proud father ready to teach him the ways of the world. From the very beginning, Randall admired his father and grandfather, soaking up their wisdom on everything from engines and hunting to gardening and fishing. There wasn’t a tool he couldn’t wield, a vegetable he couldn’t grow, or a mechanical challenge he couldn’t solve. As a young boy, Randall cherished weekends at Lake Striker, where he found freedom on the water—eventually owning a boat of his own. After graduating from Henderson High School in 1977, he began his career working at various local auto shops, where his passion for engines and machines thrived. Of all the motorcycles he rode, his Harley Davidson was the one closest to his heart. Some of his happiest moments were spent riding through open landscapes with family and friends, making memories on trips to Sturgis, Tennessee, Arkansas, and beyond. In 1990, Randall married the love of his life, Billie Jean Pickett. Together, they embarked on summer adventures with their daughter, traveling through Texas Hill Country, New Mexico, Colorado, Oklahoma, and more. Randall’s greatest joy was teaching his daughter about the places they visited, stopping at every museum or memorial they could find. He loved her fiercely, and their bond was one built on shared stories, lessons, and unforgettable moments. Randall had a deep connection to the land. He found peace in the rhythm of the seasons and pride in cultivating a garden that flourished year after year. His dill pickles, in particular, were legendary among those lucky enough to taste them. Randall also had a soft spot for dogs—his black lab mix, Bosco, was his constant companion, greeting him with uncontainable joy every time they reunited. Later in life, Randall worked at Henderson Welding Supply and eventually retired to care for his aging parents on the very land where his journey began. He was a quiet, gentle soul—a man whose kindness ran deep. His daughter described him perfectly as “a marshmallow wrapped in barbed wire”—tough on the outside, but with a heart full of tenderness for those he loved. Randall is preceded in death by his parents, Taylor and Toni Whitehead; his sister, Glenda Kay Harris; his grandparents, James Alphonsa Whitehead (PawPaw), Victoria Duncan Butler, and Leonodous and Annie Lee Hicks Williams; as well as seventeen aunts and uncles and twelve cousins. He is survived by his devoted wife, Billie Jean Pickett Whitehead; his cherished daughter, Brittney Geneva, and son-in-law, James Geneva; his sister, Sharon Whitehead; brother-in-law, Dicky Harris, and wife, Karen; as well as three sisters-in-law: Cheri Johnson, Loretta Wriggle, and Kristina Gossett. Randall also leaves behind one beloved aunt, Louette Williams Johnson, and a host of nieces, nephews, and their families: Kevin Harris (wife Debbie), Ryan Harris, Logan Harris (wife Myra), Brad Vinson (wife Angie), Daniel Wriggle, Chris Johnson, Kristopher Wisdom, Lindsey Spraggins (husband Gary), Melissa Armstrong (husband Brian), Katie Sanders (husband Shadow), and Andrea Padilla. His passing also touches the hearts of countless close friends and lifelong neighbors, all of whom he treasured deeply. Randall’s life was one of quiet strength, unwavering kindness, and a love for the simple pleasures that made his world whole. Though his sudden passing leaves a void that can never be filled, those who knew and loved him find comfort in the beautiful memories he leaves behind—a legacy of love, generosity, and peace. The family wishes to thank the EMT first responders, and the staff of Autumn Leaves for their care of Randall. Words of comfort may be shared at www.crawfordacrim.com.

Mr. Randy Whitehead

June 11, 1959 - October 13, 2024