Randall grew up in Sand Mountain, Ala. After high school, he attended the University of Alabama where he received a degree in Chemistry and later completed medical school at the University of Alabama at Birmingham in 1973. His years of post-graduate training prepared him to settle down in Tuscaloosa where he practiced rheumatology and touched countless lives. He was a dedicated doctor for 35 years and was devoted to his patients who he considered family.
Randall was a Fellow of The American College of Physicians and also Fellow of American College of Rheumatology. He served on the Medical Assurance of Alabama Board on both the Physicians Claims and Underwriting Committee and also the Committee for Continuing Medical Education for 33 years. Randall was currently appointed as Clinical Associate Professor of Medicine at the University of Alabama, College of Community Health Sciences. To say that Randall was a brilliant doctor would be an understatement. These were just a few of his distinguished honors, certifications, academic appointments, and professional society activities throughout his career, but he was most proud of his title of “PawPaw,” given by his granddaughter, Lauren.
Randall was a former Deacon and active member of First Presbyterian Church, Tuscaloosa, where he enjoyed his weekly Men's Prayer Breakfast, made multiple trips to Kenya to assist in bringing clean water to the Tumutumu hospital, and volunteered within Tuscaloosa County with Habitat for Humanity.
Randall cherished every moment with his family and friends. His laugh was unmistakable and his heart genuine. He loved teaching Lauren how to hunt and looked forward to his annual South Dakota hunting trip with the “Alabama Boys.” He was an avid outdoorsman and his passion for training his Labradors won him several Master National Hunter awards. Randall was always working in his garden and recently added the title of Beekeeper to his list of accomplishments. He loved nothing more in this world than his wife, Jeannie. They enjoyed life to the fullest together and had many great adventures. Randall was a good man and you were lucky to call him friend. We shall love and cherish our memories of him all our days.
He is survived by his wife, Jeannie; his son, Robert Gambrell and wife Erica; his granddaughter, Lauren; his sister, Linda Lacks; his nephews, Scott (Christy) and Chad Lacks; and numerous other relatives, including the only person who could keep “Doc” in line, Mrs. Lola Gay. His longtime nurse and best friend, Judy Moore, worked by his side for 33 years.
A memorial service will be held 11 a.m. today, July 12, 2013, at First Presbyterian Church of Tuscaloosa. A visitation will be held immediately following the memorial service at First Presbyterian Church. Pastor Charlie Durham will lead the service. Heritage Chapel Funeral Home & Cremations, a Dignity Memorial Provider, is in charge of arrangements.
In lieu of flowers, the family requests that memorial donations be made to the Kenyan Mission Fund, First Presbyterian Church, 900 Greensboro Avenue, Tuscaloosa, AL 35401.
Condolences may be offered at www.heritagechapeltuscaloosa.com.
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