Randal Earl Stephens

Randy Earl Stephens, known to some as simply Uncle Randy, was one of those people whose presence spoke louder than his words. Born and raised in Oklahoma, Randy carried with him the steady grit of the place he called home and the quiet strength of a man who knew who he was.

At 61 years old, Randy was a master of his craft. A sheet metal welder and fabricator, known for being seamless, precise, and deeply dedicated to his work. Those who worked beside him knew they were learning from someone who didn’t just do the job, he respected it. As a friend put it best: “Solid man. Solid hand.”

Randy didn’t need to be loud to be memorable. He was quiet, funny, and calm. Someone who showed up steady and consistent. He had a dry sense of humor, loved sending memes, and had a way of staying connected without ever making a big deal of himself. His dedication doesn't end there, he was known for being a loyal fan, his affinity for the band KISS, and NASCAR ran deep, continually sporting Jeff Gordon's number 24 on bags and shirts for decades! There wasn't a person who didn't receive their Birthday message from Randy in the form of an iconic KISS image of the band posed with their tongues out and congratulatory text stating "Happy Birthday!”

But Randy’s greatest legacy wasn’t only in what he built with his hands, it was in the lives he helped rebuild.

Randy was an older-timer, a sponsor, and a deeply involved member devoting much of his life to sobriety and service to others. His sobriety wasn’t just something he maintained, it was something he gave away. He fought for it, protected it, and helped others do the same. Always remembering to “keep his side of the street clean”.

As one person said plainly and powerfully:

“One of the good ones. We fought for sobriety.”

Another shared:

“Your essence still carries into my service to others today, and you’ll always be part of the foundation my recovery is built on. Thank you for the fingerprints you left on my life, Randy.”

Randy inspired others not because he claimed to have all the answers, but because he showed what perseverance looked like. A quote from a friend makes that clear by saying

“I’m proud of you for surviving your demons and making it to this day. You inspired others while fighting the hardest battle of your own life.”

His impact ran deep. another saying

“There’s not a version of my story that exists without you in it.”

And it reached far beyond the rooms of meetings, into families, friendships, and everyday life. Especially to those who knew him as Uncle Randy, he never seemed to age. At 60, he was still riding wheelies on motorcycles, flipping into pools, doing backflips on trampolines, and teaching kids how to ride! Living with a fearless joy that made others feel brave just watching him.

Randy lived by principles many recognize from the AA Big Book. Honesty, humility, service, and surrender. The Serenity Prayer, which guided so much of his life, feels fitting to share here:

"God, grant me the serenity

to accept the things I cannot change,

the courage to change the things I can,

and the wisdom to know the difference.

Living one day at a time; enjoying one moment at a time; accepting hardships as the pathway to peace; taking, as He did, this sinful world as it is, not as I would have it;

trusting that He will make all things right if I surrender to His Will; that I may be reasonably happy in this life and supremely happy with Him forever in the next.

Amen."

Randy embodied that wisdom, faithfully.

He helped countless people. He showed up. He stayed sober. He kept going.

Randy Earl Stephens was, and always will be, a legacy of service, craftsmanship, courage, and quiet strength. His fingerprints are all over, in the work he did, the lives he touched, and the people who will carry his spirit forward.

He will be deeply missed and always remembered.