Charles P. Randolph III

Charles Philip Randolph, III, known as "Phil" to those who loved him, and as a gentle giant to his grandchildren, passed away peacefully at his Assisted Living residence in Niceville, FL on Monday, August 24th, 2020.

Born on August 20th, 1929, in Oak Park, IL to parents Charles Philip Randolph, Jr. and Mary Louise (Mosheim) Randolph, Phil was the youngest of three children.  Following high school graduation, Mr. Randolph served in the Army during the Korean War. He then settled in Houston, TX, where his married sister resided, and attended Rice University.  Graduating with an accounting degree, Phil obtained licensure as a Certified Public Accountant. Mr. Randolph spent his lifelong career working for the Cullen family of Quintana Petroleum Company, based in Houston.

It is in Houston where Phil met and married his wife, Catherine Louise (Lee) Randolph.  They were united in marriage on June 7, 1956. Their life together revolved around family, work, reading, music, travel and the arts. Phil had a passion for architecture and was especially partial to the mid-century modern designs of Frank Lloyd Wright. The couple's homes always reflected this preference.

Mr. and Mrs. Randolph were members of the Second Presbyterian Church in Houston. Especially known for his compassionate heart, Phil and Catherine were always able to provide for the needs of others.  Together, they adopted and fostered children. When anyone needed financial advice or assistance, Phil took an active role. The fruit of his wisdom, expertise, and generous spirit has been multiplied exponentially amongst endearing family and friends. In addition to the love and respect of all who knew him, he will be remembered fondly for his engaging grin, dancing blue eyes, contagious laughter and peaceful demeanor.

Mr. Randolph, a widower, is survived by his eldest daughter, Laura (Randolph) Christianson and Curtis Lee Christianson, of Niceville, FL and by Annette (Randoph) Spencer and Kevin Spencer, of Clifton Forge, VI.  With six grandchildren and eight perpetually active great grandchildren, "Grandy" was always amused and interested in their lives. Additionally, he is survived by his 92-year-old loving sister, "Jo" Randolph, a watercolor artist residing in Des Moines, IO; a sister-in-law and her husband, Charlie and Margaret (Lee) Nix of Lubbock, TX, and numerous treasured nieces, nephews and their families. 

Phil was preceded in death by his parents, Mr. and Mrs. C.P. Randolph, II; his wife, Catherine Randolph; and, by his eldest sibling, Peter Randolph of Idaho Falls, ID. 

A Celebration of Life Ceremony, at Santa Fe Memorial Gardens, will be held at a later date in Santa Fe, NM, where Phil and his wife loved calling "home" following Mr. Randolph's retirement.

The family wishes to offer special thanks to the staff and heros of Brookdale Bluewater Bay Assisted Living Facility and Vitas for their investment of time and loving care during the final years of Phil's life.

In lieu of flowers, contributions and memorial donations can be made in Mr. Randolph's name to Lighthouse Family Retreat - a non-profit organization that specializes in uniting children diagnosed with cancer and their families in non-medical, beach resort environments in Northwest Florida. Their headquarters are located at:

                     Lighthouse Family Retreat

                     2555 Northwinds Parkway, Suite 800

                     Alpharetta, GA 30009

                     Telephone: 678.290.2955

                     Website:   www.LighthouseFamilyRetreat.org

Current arrangements are under the professional and compassionate direction of Emerald Coast Funeral Home.  To share memories, express condolences and sign the guest book, please visit:  www.emeraldcoastfuneralhome.com

"Wisdom is a shelter as money is a shelter,

But the advantage of knowledge is this:

Wisdom preserves those who have it."

                   Ecclesiastes 7:12

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