Description:
Full Name: Randall Carey "Randy" Etherton
Date of Birth: April 14, 1952
Date of Death: October 06, 2012
Country of Birth: United States
Place of Birth: Oklahoma City, OK
Place of Death: Dallas, TX
Biography: To most, Randy was the personification of charm and wit, always with a joke or a song at the ready. In fact, if asked their memories of Randy, I think everyone who knew him would use words like laughter and music, especially music. The man had a tenor voice that could charm the birds out of the sky - truly Broadway standard (Old Broadway, at that.) That wasn't to be his future, but music truly was at his very core. He seemed to know the words to every song. If he didn't know them, he could make them up on the spot.
He did put that voice to good use. In his early years, he traveled the country as part of a Christian Rock group The Revolution. He put music on hold for a while, for the most part, to work and raise a family, but it never left him. He finally realized his theater dreams when he got a part in the chorus of an Oklahoma City production of Guys and Dolls, thus beginning another chapter in his life. He appeared in such shows as Sing Like Angels, Changin' Lanes (Sam), and The Sound of Music (Captain von Trapp). He even put together a cabaret act which he performed in Oklahoma City, and another which he would later perform in New York City, in collaboration with Alicia Cohen. It was during these periods that he formed the relationships which endured to the end of his life. He loved you all dearly.
Randy's early life was anything but a song. When Randy was four, his father died in a tragic accident. His mother was left to raise him and his older sister alone, which she did through hard work, steely determination, and sheer force of will. Randy told stories that would have been at home in a Steinbeck novel, but they always reflected his profound admiration and gratitude for his mother, undoubtedly the most important figure in his life.
Having seen the difficulties of life, Randy determined early on to make the most of his. He overcame his inate shyness to become someone who never met a stranger, who could talk to anyone about anything. He worked hard, did well, lost it all, and did well again. He didn't do things halfway. He had a vision for his life and worked very hard to realize it. His greatest desire was to take care of those he loved, never wanting anyone to suffer or go without, even to his own detriment. He was a great success.
In 2000, Randy was able to bring one of his greatest dreams to fruition - living in New York City. He went to work for The New York Times in August of 2000, remaining there until his health demanded his retirement in 2010. It was a decade rich in experiences, from the horrors of 9/11 to the joy and sheer fun of meeting more Broadway stars than can be listed here. He was also honored to meet President Bill Clinton and Elie Wiesel.
Randy was intensely proud of being from Oklahoma. It was an indelible part of who he was. He also loved to travel and see new things. His favorite cities were Paris, Honolulu, and, of course, New York. His favorite place to unwind was by the pool of the Halekulani hotel on Waikiki Beach. Of all our travels, I think his favorite was in October of 1996. He and I, along with his sister, took his mother to Paris, fulfilling a dream of hers. It was my pleasure to spend the week translating and being general tour guide for the three of them. HIs favorite memory of that trip, and mine as well, is his mother in the gardens of Versailles.
It was my honor and joy to spend the last nineteen years of Randy's life with him. We met in the fall of 1993, a few days after I underwent surgery for cancer. He took me to my first radiation treatment, and then took care of me for the next 19 years. He brought the melody to the humdrum bass line of my life. He brought out the best in me, and I in him. We complimented each other. Shortly before he died, we thanked each other for our lives. Neither of us would have accomplished what we did without the support and inspiration of the other. It was my sad honor to be with him as he left this world. I will cherish his memory and carry it with me until I see him again. Thank you for the music. BBFP
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Randall Carey Etherton was the son of John and Betty Etherton, both of whom preceded him in death. He is survived by his partner, David Lane Miller; his daughter and son-in-law, Emily Etherton and Lance Garrett; his son, Randall Taylor Etherton; his grand-daughter, Gilda Garrett; his brother-in-law and sister, Mark and Madalaine Stewart; niece, Mandi Quiros; nephews Matthew and Maikael Stewart, and numerous others, including his former wife, Kathy McIntyre Etherton.
Memorials may be made to St. Bartholomew's Episcopal Church in New York City.
Type: Biography
Date: 2012-10-08
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