Randall David Kimrey

Randall David Kimrey died peacefully on July 9, 2023 but the impact from his life will last for generations. Born on December 11, 1948 in Sanford, NC, Randy lived a full life built with a purpose of building meaningful relationships, having a positive impact in his career and community and most importantly, being a guiding force for his family to help them best navigate life’s ever present challenges.

A proud American, Randy served in the Air Force from 1970-1974 but his experience and patriotism lasted a lifetime. He often shared learnings from his military experience and always believed that his experience in the Air Force provided him a foundation for success throughout his life. After serving in the Air Force, he returned to North Carolina to complete his undergraduate degree at NC State in 1977. He then began his career with Singer Corporation and several years later took a job working for the North Carolina State Government. He had a distinguished career in the Wage and Hour division of the Department of Labor and retired in 2015 after 30 years of service. A job that was perfectly suited to his inquisitive mind, he worked hard to ensure that employees received the pay and benefits they deserved. He was a tireless worker and a caring supervisor and in acknowledgement of his outstanding career, he was awarded the Order of the Long Leaf Pine, the highest award for state service granted by the Governor.

A resident of New Bern, NC for over 40 years, he loved living in Eastern North Carolina and was active in a variety of community and charitable initiatives. He was an avid member of the Kiwanis Club of New Bern for many years and served as president during the 1990s.

He enjoyed hiking, sports, bird watching and working outdoors but more than anything, he loved spending quality time with his wife and children. He often said how happy he was in retirement and how he felt that he had reached a place of peace in his life. He had truly found an enviable level of contentment and was focused on ensuring his days were filled with relaxation, continued learning and having meaningful relationships and conversations with the people he loved most. He looked for people and places that brought him peace. One place he enjoyed the most was the backyard oasis he and Kay had created in their backyard in New Bern. They built a hand-crafted gazebo and planted lush landscaping complete with flower, vegetable gardens and even a bird sanctuary. The space was often where Randy started and ended his days with reflection and insights and a place where he would connect with friends and family in person or by phone. Randy had an incredible memory, and as he held court in his gazebo, it seemed he always knew a little bit about everything. His insights, while sometimes long winded, have provided lessons that will carry on with everyone he touched.

He was in awe of nature’s beauty and truly believed our national parks were one of the greatest assets of our country. In recent years, Randy found great pleasure in planning trips with his sons to visit, hike and explore numerous parks, including Glacier, Zion, Bryce and most recently Rocky Mountain National Park. He spent months planning the perfect itineraries and wanted to ensure the trips were full of time to connect, talk and explore.

He is survived by his loving wife of over 42 years, Kay and three children, Jason Kimrey and wife Betsy of Sanibel, Florida; Bradley Kimrey of New Bern, Sandy Duckett of Portsmouth, Virginia and two grandchildren, Lila Kimrey and Eloise Kimrey. He is also survived by his two brothers, Wally Kimrey and Herb Kimrey and sister, Patti Keith. He is preceded in death by his parents, Graham and Edith Kimrey.

The family will receive friends from 1:00pm to 2:00pm Sunday, July 23, 2023 at Cotten Funeral Home followed by a memorial service at 2:00pm. Inurnment will follow at First Presbyterian Church Columbarium.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the National Parks Foundation at https://give.nationalparks.org

Arrangements by Cotten Funeral Home & Crematory. Online condolences may be made to the Kimrey family at www.cottenfuneralhome.com.