Col. Randal Davis Carlson US Air Force

On February 6, 2026 following a courageous battle with cancer, Randal (Randy) Davis Carlson went to his eternal home with the Lord Jesus Christ. Randy was born to Arthur and Margery (VanOrmer) Carlson in Lakeland, FL on August 25, 1944 while his father was stationed there during WWII. The family then moved back to Manlius, IL where he spent his formative years.

He attended the US Air Force Academy, graduating with top honors in 1966, and went on to complete his master’s degree at Purdue University. During his almost 25-year career in the Air Force, he served as both a fighter pilot and teacher. This included over 100 missions in the Vietnam war piloting the F105 “Thud” (by far his favorite plane to fly), as well as teaching aeronautical engineering at both MIT and Penn State. He was commander of the 436th Training Squadron at Holloman AFB in Alamogordo, NM and finished his military career as the Professor of Aerospace Studies (AFROTC) at Penn State University. After his retirement, he began his second career as a “teacher to teachers” in the College of Education at Georgia Southern University. After his second “retirement”, Randy moved with Linda, his beloved wife of almost 50 years, to Lake Junaluska where they continued to be active members of the community.

Randy’s life was marked by service – to his country, family, church, community, and his Lord. This could be seen every day in his disciplined dedication to meeting the needs of people around him, whether that was calling his grandson every night to practice for a spelling bee or leading the team for Christmas decorations at Lake Junaluska. He was a founding and faithful member at The Orchard Church in Waynesville where he served as a Deacon. His favorite volunteer position there was being a greeter in the parking lot each Sunday through rain, sleet and snow. He was a proud member of several vibrant men’s prayer and discipleship groups including his “Band of Brothers”.

He is survived by his wife Linda (Humphrey), sons Chris (Beth) and Todd, daughter Kate (Dan Dulek), sister Hilary, and 5 grandsons: Christian and Chase Carlson, and Timothy, Lucas, and William Dulek. He was preceded in death by his parents, brother Allen, and Godchild Larry Rakeen Parks.

Celebration of Life will be held on Monday, February 16th at 3pm at The Orchard Church in Waynesville with Pastor Stephen Buys officiating. Family will receive friends for visitation from 1-3 pm before the service. Burial will be at a later date at the US Air Force Academy.

Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.garrettfuneralsandcremations.com.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations be made to the Counseling Ministry at The Orchard Church (at www.theorchardnc.com/give or mail donation to 205 West Brook Drive, Waynesville, NC 28786).