Randolph E Church

Randolph E. Church, age 94, went home to be with the Lord and his beloved wife of 67 years, Bernice, on November 28, 2011. Born to John Herbert and Cathline Louise Church on June 30, 1917 in Glenolden, PA. He moved with his family to Jacksonville when he was 6 years old. He married Bernice Chester Church on April 27, 1938. He worked at the Jacksonville Shipyards during WWII. After the war he was given his first chance working with precious metals, taught by Ted Ingle and employed by the W.L. Sutton, Co. After many years of making and repairing jewelry while employed by others, he opened his own store selling and setting diamonds and other precious stones. He was a well-respected, reputable jeweler in Jacksonville for many years before his retirement. In 1959 Randy and Bernice moved their family to the Orange Park area and lived happily on 40 acres of land enjoying their growing children and many horses, dogs and cows. He was very active in the community and especially in the Orange Park United Methodist Church. After his retirement Randy and Bernice built a mountain home in Cashier’s, NC where they spent many wonderful summers and made many life -long friends. In 1988 they moved to a new home they had built in Doctor’s Inlet, FL where they lived happily together until her death in 2005. He continued to live there until just weeks before his death. He was preceded in death by his parents, his sister Grace, brothers, John and Harold and wife Bernice. He is survived by his brother Charles, his son, David R. Church (Anita), his daughter Mary Cathline “Cathy” Church, grandchildren, Matthew D. Church and Mary Elizabeth Church and many extended family members and wonderful friends. Also, his special fur friend, Buddy, a rescue dog owned by Cathy who came for dinner every night. Memorial services will be held at Orange Park United Methodist Church, 2051 Park Ave, Orange Park, FL on Saturday, December 10, 2011 at 1:00 P.M. followed by a reception in the Family Life Center behind the church. In lieu of flowers donations may be made to the OPUMC; First Coast No More Homeless Pets (FCNMHP) 6817 Norwood Ave., Jacksonville, FL 32208; Safe Animal Shelter, 2913 County Road 220, Middleburg, FL 32073; Catbugs Pet Rescue, P.O. Box 1193, Green Cove Springs, FL 32043. A memorial service will be held Saturday, December 10, 2011 at 1:00 PM at the Orange Park United Methodist Church, Orange Park FL with Pastor Pearl Boles officiating. Please post tributes at www.hardgae-giddensrivermead.com Arrangements by Hardage-Giddens Rivermead Funeral Home, 127 Blanding Blvd. Orange Park, FL. 32073