Born in Atlanta, Georgia, Randy was the son of William “Pete” Pike and Geraldine Coleman Pike. Randy is survived by his 3 daughters: Jennifer Pike Fischer (Michael), Michelle Pike Hinchey (Jamie), and Kristen Pike Baldon (Jonathan), as well as his 7 grandchildren: Luke (7), Ella (7), Chloe (5), Malia (4), Josephine (4), Leo (2), and Harley (10 months), each of whom brought joy and pride to his life. He is also survived by his siblings, Gary Pike (Lynn) and Dana Pike Van Vlake (Jeff).
From the very beginning, his life was rooted in family, hard work, and a deep love of “Playing In the Dirt.” In fact, the year Randy was born, 1958, his father founded what would become a beloved Atlanta institution, Pike Family Nurseries. It seemed only natural that Randy’s story would grow alongside it.
By the age of 5, Randy had already found his happy place, with dirt on his hands and curiosity in his heart. He spent his childhood at the nursery pulling wagons for customers, learning from an early age the value of service, connection, and care. Those small beginnings turned into a lifelong career, and Randy would go on to serve as President and CEO, carrying forward his father’s vision while leaving his own lasting imprint on the company and the community it served.
He became a familiar voice across Atlanta through local radio, followed by feature editorials and covers of nursery industry magazines. Among his many contributions, Randy was the visionary behind the very first Tropical Plant Tent Sale, held in the parking lot at Phipps Plaza, a big idea that quickly turned into a phenomenon across the state. Many of his former colleagues say he was known for being a 'great motivator' and 'talented marketer.'
Randy took great pride in bringing his 3 daughters into the business at an early age. They worked alongside him in many roles, pulling wagons, watering plants, running flower sales, serving customers at the register, and even contributing to marketing efforts at the Pike corporate headquarters, when all they wanted to do was rollerblade in the warehouse!
A celebration of Randy’s life will be held on Friday, April 10, at H. M. Patterson & Son – Arlington Chapel in Sandy Springs, Georgia. Visitation will begin at 11:30 a.m., followed by the funeral service at 12:30 p.m.
Though Randy is no longer with us, his spirit lives on in the memories we hold close. He will be profoundly missed, forever cherished, and never forgotten.
