Charles Randall Shoults

Charles Randall Shoults (Randy), age 77, died April 6, 2026, in Montgomery, AL after a battle with pneumonia. A long-time resident of Montgomery, Randy had a passionate lifetime commitment to his two top priorities: his family and the arts.

Randy was born January 21, 1949, in Selma, AL to Charlie and Betty Shoults. Raised in Selma along with his sister, Vicki, he graduated from A.G. Parrish High School in 1967. He then studied art at Troy State University, graduating in 1970, married Lyn Spencer from Brundidge, AL on July 31, 1970, and received a Master of Arts from the University of Alabama in 1972. From there he began his professional career in the arts, first at Meridian Junior College, MS, where he earned “Teacher of the Year” honors. This was followed by a position as a civilian recreation manager bringing arts education to U.S. Air Force members and families in Warner Robins, GA. Finally, in 1985 Randy had an opportunity to return to Alabama and join the professional staff of the Alabama State Council on the Arts where he served over 25 years in a variety of roles supporting the state’s rich and diverse artistic resources.

Throughout his career as a teacher and arts administrator, Randy remained a practicing artist in his own right, with many exhibits, shows and awards, nation-wide. He served as both judge and frequent exhibitor at the juried Kentuck Art Festival in Tuscaloosa, AL. After his retirement from the State Arts Council, he pursued his art fulltime with a passion and work ethic that never diminished.

In addition to art, Randy’s passion was his family. Lyn was the love of his life and, as a noted quilter, a partner in the arts. Together they had two outstanding sons, Spencer Charles (born 1977) and Benjamin Alan (born 1981) who were the center of their universe. Following Lyn’s untimely death in 2013, Randy doubled down supporting his sons. Then in 2017, the family suffered another untimely loss with the death of oldest son, Spencer. Randy became “Papa extraordinaire” laser-focused on Ben’s family: sweet wife Evelyn and his beloved grandchildren, Sophie and Isaac. He was always THERE to support Ben, Evelyn and the kids. Randy also remained close to sister Vicki and her extended family as the entire clan enjoyed annual trips to the beach.

Randy is preceded in death by his parents, Charles Thomas Shoults and Betty Jean Guthrie Shoults; his wife, Lyn; and son, Spencer. His survivors include son, Ben, Ben’s wife Evelyn Isolde Shoults and their children, Sophie Isolde Shoults and Isaac Alyn Shoults. He is also survived by his sister Vicki Freeman, her husband, Thomas, of Jesup, GA, his niece and nephew, Kelli and David, and many great nieces and nephews.

Randy also remained close to Lyn’s family: in laws, Alan & Leanne Spencer of Tuscaloosa, Polly Spencer Kenny of Montgomery, niece, Emma Kenny, nephews, Jack Kenny, Brian and Derik Stabler and Lyn’s many Crawley and Hildreth cousins.

Randy will be lovingly remembered and greatly missed by his family and the many people he touched. His art and his legacy will endure.

Visitation will be held at Leak Memory Chapel, 945 Lincoln Rd, Montgomery, AL 36109, on Wednesday, April 15, 2026 from 1:00 P.M. to 3:00 P.M. A graveside service will follow at 4:30 P.M. at Banks Cemetery in Banks, AL (Pike County). In lieu of flowers consider a donation to Black Belt Treasures Cultural Arts Center at https://www.blackbelttreasures.com/store/pg/26-Donate-test.aspx or by purchasing a Support the Arts License Tag which directly supports the Alabama State Council on the Arts.