R. Randolph Reid

Randolph passed away suddenly on January 16th with his loyal canine companion Sophie by his side. Randolph was born in Elon College, N.C., moving to Winston-Salem as a child and then to Raleigh where he was in the first graduating class at Sanderson High School. He graduated from East Carolina University with a bachelor’s degree in Geography and a master's in history.

After college graduation, Randolph made his way back to Raleigh where he enjoyed several careers, with most of his career as a residential homebuilder. His last role was as Division President for David Weekly Homes. He split his time between his home in Clayton and his home in Emerald Isle. After retirement, Randolph pursued his love of golf, boating, animals, horse back and mule riding and helping people. He was a board member and Past President of the Foundation Board at North Carolina State University Veterinary College, board member at the East Carolina University Foundation, volunteer with his devoted therapy dog Sophie for Hospice, Johnston Memorial Mental Health Center, and various colleges in the Triangle. He was a 40 year member of the North Raleigh Civitan Club. With his friend Jim, he established the Ovid Pierce Scholarship at ECU to honor their Kappa Alpha mentor “Doc” Pierce. With his wife, he established the Molly and Felix “Teamwork” Scholarship at the NCSU Veterinary College.

Randolph was a natural leader who enjoyed being a mentor and friend to many. He never met a stranger and over the years touched the lives of countless people. His legacy of integrity, kindness and generosity will be remembered by those who had the privilege of knowing him. He was a devoted husband, brother, brother-in-law , uncle and a loyal friend.

Randolph loved his family, his friends, his KA brothers, his canine family, his horses and mules, golf, college football and everything ECU. His happy place was Casa de Campo in the Dominican Republic where he visited for 44 years and where he found his second family the Del Rosario’s.

While Randolph endured medical issues in his later years including being paralyzed, he fought hard, never gave up and kept a positive attitude. He was a fighter and loved life.

He is survived by his loving and devoted wife of 36 years Betty Minton, his sister Beverly Reid, brother-in- law Bill Minton, sister-in-law Jan Minton, nephews Derek Melvin and Josh Minton and numerous cousins. He is also survived by his special friend Chester Calhoun who he loved like a son and his devoted canine family Sophie and Sydney.

He was preceded in death by his loving mother and father Ernest Richard Reid and Bernice Beaman Reid, numerous canines and his favorite mule Sweet Pea.

The family requests that expressions of love and memory for Randolph be directed to ECU Foundation, Inc. Ovid Pierce Brinkley-Lane Scholars Award Fund (www.securelb.imodules.com), the NCSU Veterinary Foundation or the charity of one’s choice.

A celebration of his life will be held on Friday January 24th at McLaurin Funeral Home Chapel, 12830 US Bus 70 Hwy W, Clayton, N.C. 27520 with visitation at 1:00 pm and service to follow at 2:00 pm. If you desire, wear your favorite purple and gold to honor Randolph and his love of ECU.