Randall, Lieutenant Colonel (Lt Col.) Ernest T. – transitioned labor to reward on Wednesday, October 10, 2012 at his residence. He was born on December 21, 1939 in Paris, Maryland to the parents of Alice Gray and James Randall.
He graduated from Brooks High School in Prince Fredrick, Maryland. He received his Bachelors of Science in Agriculture from Maryland University at Princess Ann, Maryland in June 1961.
He joined the US Air Force August 1961 and completed his flight school in Selma, AL. He retired as a pilot ranked as Lieutenant Colonel after 22 years of service. He continued his pilot career flying for Bill Cosby, Exxon Mobile Oil, and other private entities for an additional 20 years before retiring. He traveled the world near and far including Africa, India, Germany, Japan and other areas in Europe. He flew the C-141 cargo planes.
His Air Force career includes awards and medals; Distinguished Flying Cross, Meritorious Service Medal, Air Medal with Four Oak Leaf Clusters, Air Force Commendation Medal, Small Expert Marksmanship Ribbon, Antarctic Service Medal, Air Force Longevity Service Ribbon with Four Oak Leaf Clusters, National Defense Service Medal, Vietnam Service Medal with Three Bronze Service Stars, Air Force Presidential Unit Citation, Air Force Outstanding Unit Award, Republic of Vietnam Gallantry Cross with Palm and the Republic of Vietnam Campaign Medal.
After joining Mount Calvary Baptist Church, he sang with the Men’s choir, served as a trustee, attended Sunday School and Bible Study. He was recently ordained as a Deacon on September 16, 2012.
While serving in the US Air Force he married Gloria Anne Tolson on January 19, 1972. Deacon and Mrs. Randall celebrated their 40th wedding anniversary this year.
He was preceded in death by his father, James Randall, mother, Alice Gray, two sisters Constance Randall and Brenda Nash. He leaves to cherish his memory: a very devoted wife, Anne; daughter, Jenelle (Los Angeles, CA); son, Michael Wallace (Shadyside, MD); grandson, Jordon Wallace (Annapolis, MD); sisters, Agnes Warrick (Upper Marlboro, MD), Patricia Diggs (Lanham, MD); brothers, Samson Nash, Jr. (Chillum, MD) and a host of nieces, nephews, many cousins and friends. On Monday, October 15, 2012, the family will receive friends from 12:00 noon to 1:00 p.m. with funeral service to follow at Mt. Zion Baptist Church, 2714 Brooks Road, Knoxville, TN 37914. Reverend Leroy Franklin officiating.
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Ernie was a true gentleman, a pleasure to be with, and a personal loss to me. As fellow golfers and former AF pilots, we enjoyed talking golf and flying. His family and friends are in my thoughts.
Ernie was a fine and gentle man, as well as a great friend. I enjoyed knowing him and working with him, and enjoyed all our time together away from work. He was a special aviator, with exceptional competence and dedication to making things better. He was always willing to help out where he could, and provided a strong sense of calm when situations were stressful. Ernie gave much to his country, and was a good provider for his family and church. He will be sorely missed by everyone who had the honor of knowing him.
Uncle Ernest was a good godfather and uncle to me love u…