Randall "Randy" Joel Willis

Randy was a standout athlete, excelling on the football field but truly making his mark on the baseball diamond. His baseball talent was well-known in Cartersville and respected—if not feared—by his competitors. Despite his talent, he remained incredibly humble, never boasting about his achievements. He achieved the rare feat of pitching a perfect game on April 16,1971 against McEachern. Steve Spurrier once told him at a football camp that “you’ve got the best damn arm I’ve ever seen, kid, but you are too damn small.” Randy may not have been known for his height, but his skill and determination spoke for themselves.

After graduating from Cartersville High School in 1971, Randy continued his education at the University of Georgia and Berry College, earning a degree in Physical Education. He dedicated a decade to shaping young athletes as a P.E. teacher, middle school football and basketball coach, and high school football coach in the Cartersville City and Bartow County school systems before eventually transitioning into business ownership. One of his most memorable coaching moments came in 1983 when, as the Offensive Coordinator at Cass High School, he called the winning play that secured the team’s first-ever victory over their hometown rival, Cartersville

On April 29, 1973, Randy and Billie Carol Rampley were married in the Tabernacle at Pine Log United Methodist Church, becoming the first couple to wed there. They celebrated their 50th wedding anniversary in 2023 before her passing later that year. Randy was a devoted husband, steadfastly standing by her side with unwavering support.

Randy wasn’t a man of many words, but his kindness spoke volumes through his actions. He was incredibly generous, always willing to give you the shirt off his back–though he’d probably joke that it wasn’t worth much. His love for sports ran deep, and he had an impressive knowledge of any sport, especially when it came to University of Georgia football and the Atlanta Braves. He had a deep love for dogs, often rescuing strays from the roadside and bringing them home when his children were young. After his wife passed away, he rescued a dog he named JoJo, who was born on the exact day she passed, a connection that felt meant to be.

As a father, Randy was a constant source of support and reliability. He was always there to support his kids at their sporting events and did everything he could to bring joy to their lives. He instilled in them the values of kindness, while also teaching them to be fierce competitors on the field and to uphold good sportsmanship. Above all, he taught the principles of respect and integrity, always treating everyone with fairness and equality in every interaction. His love and warmth were unwavering, and he had a gift for offering the right advice with a calm and thoughtful approach. Randy took immense pride in his grandchildren, cherishing every detail about their activities and sporting events. His love for them was immeasurable.

Randy is survived by his children, Matthew Vaughan Willis (Rachel), Meredith Dorroh Willis Geldhauser (Derek), and Jennifer Rebecca Hamilton (Brandon); his cherished grandchildren, Layla Knight Willis, Elly Grace Hamilton, Reagan Harper Willis, William “Will” Alan Geldhauser, John Wesley “Wes” Geldhauser, Layne Joseph Hamilton, and Sawyer Gene Hamilton; his mother-in-law, Wilma Vaughan Rampley; and his brother-in-law, Tom Rampley.

Visitation will be held at 11:00 AM on Friday, February 28th, followed by the service at noon at Owen Funeral Home Chapel, officiated by Reverend Tommy Harris. A private interment for close family will be held afterward at Pine Log United Methodist Church Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers donations can be made to Cartersville Little League in memory of Randy Willis: PO Box 5241, 51 Clearwater Street, Cartersville, GA 30120.