Mose Randall

Born February 11, 1944, in Wesley, West Virginia, Mose was the son of Eddie McKinley Randall and Mattie Banks Randall. Growing up in the beautiful mountains of Ansted, West Virginia, he completed his education graduating from Ansted High School where he played the saxophone in the school band.

Upon graduation, he relocated to Chicago, Illinois to be near his many siblings and to begin his work career. While in Chicago, Mose worked for various companies including Yale and Eaton, and Electromotives as a welder.

In February 1964, his life would be changed forever when he met the love of his life, Willie J. Shelton, or as known to the world Jean. Shortly thereafter, May 9, 1964; Mose and Jean were united in holy matrimony in Chicago, Illinois. They continued to reside in Chicago, Illinois where they were blessed with two children, Tina and Tyrone.

Feeling a need for change, he decided to apply with Missouri Pacific now Union Railroad in North Little Rock, Arkansas. In 1976, he moved his family to Arkansas and began work with Union Pacific Railroad. Mose completed trade school excelling as a Carman and receiving many awards and accolades during his employment. He was a member of the International Brotherhood of Railway Carman. Anyone who had the experience of knowing Mose, knew his impeccable work ethic, his love for his family and the fact he could not just work one job, he always worked at least two. During his working years, he not only worked for Union Pacific, he also worked for Laidlaw, Inc. and North Little Rock School District. Retiring in 2007 from Union Pacific, Mose continued to work for North Little Rock School District and retired there too, but continued to work as needed. Again, his work ethic just wouldn’t let him quit. No matter what school location Mose worked at in the district, anyone who met him knew immediately he was a man of great wisdom. He spoke in a low voice and sometimes slowly, but anyone who heard him speak knew his words were of wisdom and love. Mose was a member of Greater Trinity Church of God in Christ, where he found another enjoyment, working in the sound ministry.

Fast forward another young man that began as his neighbor, spending early mornings discussing their grass, or talking about all of the neighborhood activities, turned into another son, Fredrick (Chad) Chapple. He shared a very special relationship with his son-in-law Christopher Dobbins, often spending time together discussing life, MSNBC, and Rachel Maddow (they both stopped talking to anyone at 8:00 pm), CNN, and Razorback basketball. Sometimes one would almost beat the other dialing the phone if they weren’t in the same room. Most importantly, he worried about Christopher’s health, often helped with anything he knew needed completing and prayed that God would heal him. When the call came for the lung transplant, they happened to be together. The relationship with his grandchildren…he made it a point to always be at any event they were involved in and supported them throughout school and into young adult life. He gave them wisdom, tough love and a good talk about life when he needed to, but he gave them the absolute truth even if they didn’t want to hear it at that time. They knew Papa always had their back.

He talked to many young men and young ladies about life and traveling the right path.

To his children, Tina and Tyrone, there are no words that can adequately describe Mose as a father. Always present, always available, always a father first. He could be tough, but his love was even tougher. Never was there a time he was not present. No matter the day or the hour, if Daddy was needed, he was there. No matter the event and even if he was at work, he was quick to let his employer know if he had to take some time off to support his children.

Mose and Jean shared a love that was unconditional for more than 56 years, a true partnership. They took care of one another. Mose and Jean could fuss one minute (especially if going on a road trip) and the next minute he would give her that look and that smile, and that love would just take over. He was a provider, a leader and everything he did was always with Jean in his mind. And in turn, she made sure he had his favorite pound cake every week, those good home cooked meals and all he wanted and needed. They took care of one another and their love will remain even after infinity.

Preceding Mose in death are parents: Eddie McKinley Randall and Mattie Banks Randall and siblings: Edolene, Rose, Trudy, Eunice, Angel, Walter, Harry, and Eddie and granddaughter, Khrysten Chanel.

Mose is survived by his wife Willie (Jean) Randall, of Sherwood, AR, children; Tina R Dobbins (Christopher) of North Little Rock, AR, Tyrone Randall (Heather) of Memphis, TN, and Fredrick (Chad) Chapple of Sherwood, AR; grandchildren; Christopher M Dobbins and Khrysten Dobbins of North Little Rock, AR, Sierra Randall of Memphis, TN, and Alisha Dobbins of Bryant, AR; great grandchildren; Kaiden, Corlen, Madyson, and Malia. Also surviving, sister, Rita Cooper of Chicago, IL and brother, Harrison Randall (Brenda) of Baltimore, Maryland, sister-in-law Delores Randall of Chicago, IL and brother-in-law Charles Toney of Columbia, MS. He is also survived by several nieces and nephews.

Mose always had two truths he spoke:

“Your word is ALL you have.”

“It doesn’t matter how you die, it matters how you live”