Randy Leon Kay

Randy Leon Kay was born October 4, 1954, in Bartlesville, Oklahoma, the son of James Howard and Mary L. (Clopp) Kay. He grew up alongside his two siblings, Jim and Cindy, and joined the workforce at a young age. On April 9, 1971, Randy married the love of his life, Carole Ann Shannon, in Tulsa, Oklahoma. Together, Randy and Carole built a life centered around family, and over the years their home and their hearts seemed to have room for everyone. They were the kind of people who became “Grandma and Grandpa” to far more than just their own grandchildren.

Randy proudly served his country in the United States Marine Corps until his honorable discharge on September 13, 1974, in San Diego, California. During his service, Randy earned the Rifle Expert Badge and was awarded the National Defense Service Medal. His dedication, service, and commitment to his country remain a lasting part of his legacy. Following his military service, he spent much of his working life as a truck driver in the transportation industry. If something needed to be built, repaired, figured out, or made to work, Randy was usually the man for the job. He was truly a jack-of-all-trades who could do just about anything and everything he set his mind to. He enjoyed working with his hands and had the kind of practical knowledge that could only be earned through a lifetime of doing things for himself and for others.

Randy loved the outdoors and was an avid deer hunter. He enjoyed motorcycles of all kinds, from dirt bikes to Harleys, as well as ATVs. He was always ready for the next adventure. For all the things Randy enjoyed, nothing compared to his love for his family. He loved his grandbabies deeply and took an active role in their lives. Truth be told, Randy loved just about any baby he came across. Children seemed to have a special place in his heart, and his big personality made him difficult to forget. That same soft spot extended to animals. Randy could befriend nearly any animal and especially loved his Chihuahua, Bandit. Randy was a man who filled a room. He had a big personality, a strong presence, and a way of being entirely and unmistakably himself. Those who knew him will smile remembering the man sometimes summed up with the familiar phrase, “By God, He-Man Randy Kay.” There simply was not another one quite like him.

A Christian by faith, Randy was a member of Four Corners Church in Locust Grove. Even as his health declined, Randy never lost the wit, humor, and spunky attitude that made him so special to those who knew and loved him. He continued to face each day with the same spirit and personality that had defined him throughout his life. Randy passed from this life on August 29, 2026, at the age of 71 years old, peacefully surrounded by his loving family. His was a life that left stories behind—stories that will be told, laughed about, and treasured for generations.

He was preceded in death by his parents, James Howard and Mary L. Kay, and his father and mother-in-law, Hobert and Margaret Shannon.

He leaves behind his wife of more than 55 years, Carole Ann Kay of the home; his son, Randy Leon Kay II and wife Jenny of Altus, Oklahoma; two daughters, Audra Bilby and husband Roy of Locust Grove, Oklahoma, and Alexis DeFreitas and Nathan of Birmingham, Alabama; his brother, Jim Kay and wife Linda of Berryhill, Oklahoma; and his sister, Cindy Rowe and husband Frank of Bartlesville, Oklahoma. Randy also leaves behind ten grandchildren, Brittney, Garrett, Shyanne, Stormy, Trevor, Bryce, Marcus, Jackson, Kara, and Kaleigh; six great-grandchildren, Kaydance, Hayden, Bryer, RJ, Ashtyn, and Addyson; along with many other family members and friends who loved him dearly.

A time of visitation for Randy will be held Tuesday, September 1, 2026, from 5:00 pm until 8:00 pm at Reed-Culver Funeral Home.

A service celebrating Randy’s life will be held Saturday, September 26, 2026 at 11:00 am at Four Corners Church in Locust Grove with Pastor Joel Saffell officiating. Randy will receive military honors by the United States Marine Corps honor Team.

He will be laid to rest on Tuesday, September 29, 2026 at 10:00 am at Fort Gibson National Cemetery. Honorary pallbearers are Randy L. Kay II, Robert Sherwood, Tom “Jr” Burgin, Walter Nebelski, Tony “Bluelips” Mendenhall, Jerry Estabrook, Roy Bilby, Nathan DeFreitas, and Kyle Williams.