Clifton Randolph Robertson

Clifton Randolph “Randy” Robertson, 76, of Gardendale, AL, died peacefully on November 12, 2025, at his home. He was born on November 2, 1949, in Birmingham and grew up in Gardendale where he played on the high school basketball team. After graduation he volunteered to join the Army for two tours in Vietnam–first as a Sergeant in the 173rd Airborne Brigade, then with the 505th Infantry Regiment of the 82nd Airborne Division, and finally he earned his Green Beret and served with the 20th Special Forces Group.

After leaving the Army, Randy earned a degree in Criminal Justice from the University of Alabama at Birmingham. He worked across a wide range of careers including Police Officer, Paramedic, Fireman, Public Safety Officer, Real Estate Appraiser, Subdivision Developer, and Investigator for the IRS. His hobbies, like some of his career choices, were mostly of the high-adrenaline variety including scuba diving, flying airplanes, sailing, riding motorcycles, and white water kayaking. He was a Christian, and his faith led him to do mission work in Haiti helping locals develop better farming techniques.

Randy is survived by his wife, Rosa Maria Robertson and their son John Phillip Robertson; his former wife Patricia Tate and their children Brandon (Gina) Robertson, and Jennifer (Justin Goldman) Berryhill; his grandchildren Aislyn Cook and Gavin Berryhill (from Jennifer), and Woods Robertson (from Brandon); his sister Jo King and her children Lorri Gilbert Wallace, Jason Gilbert, and Julie King Malloy; and many life-long friends.

Randy was preceded in death by his parents Joseph Clifton Robertson and Beulah Brown Dalton, and his brother Carl “Buddy” Robertson.

A graveside service will take place Tuesday, November 18, 12:30pm at the Alabama National Cemetery located at 3133 Hwy 119, Montevallo, AL, 35115 where Randy will be interred among his brothers-at-arms.

Randy was a warrior, adventurer, and friend.

A graveside service will be held at the Alabama National Cemetery, located at 3133 Hwy 119, Montevallo, AL, 35115, United States. The service is scheduled for November 18, 2025, starting at 12:30 pm.