David Robert Randall

More sunshine came into the lives of Hilton and Elizabeth Randall (now Washington) in Turner Station, Maryland on March 24, 1948 as baby David Robert Randall entered this world and joined their lives. From early childhood, David was an inquisitive and intelligent child.David spent his early summers at his grandmother’s with some of his siblings in Lusby, Maryland near Solomon’s Island in Calvert County, and later, on a family farm in Chestertown, Maryland. As a child, David was christened at St. Matthews Methodist Church in Turner Station where he attended Sunday School Vacation Bible School, and sang on the Harmonettes children’s choir.In 1964, the family moved to Baltimore City, and David’s church membership was transferred to Mt. Zion United Methodist Church. He was a “church buddy” of the sons of then Pastor O. Sinclair Franklin.David attended Fleming and Bragg Elementary Schools and Sollers Point Junior Senior High School. In 1963, he transferred to Baltimore City College where he graduated in 1966. After a year of working for C&P Telephone Company, he decided to attend college and enrolled in Coppin State College (now Coppin State University). David applied for a position and was hired by Baltimore City Public Schools. He worked as a science, chemistry, mathematics, and algebra teacher for BCPS from 1971 until he succumbed to illness in September 2006. His appointments included Greenspring Junior High Northwestern, lake Clifton, Carver, and Harbor City Learning Center. Throughout his life, David hated getting up early in the morning so he left teaching to work in the private sector where he could rise leisurely. During that five year period of time, he worked at Sandoz Pharmaceuticals and, later became and insurance broker with John Hancock, Traveler’s and Pioneer. He returned to teaching because it was more fulfilling and he missed the students.Children have always held a special place in David’s heart. In addition to his own,, he was “Mr. Dave” to his children’s friends and the neighborhood children.In 1964, David befriended Phyllis Craig (Sorillo). From that friendship two children – David Jr. and Wendy – were born. In September 1970, David married his college sweetheart, fabienne Christian. Danene and Damon were born from that union. He was a devoted son, father, brother, and friend.David, affectionately known as “DR”, was a member of Phi Beta Sigma Fraternity, Inc. He was a man for all seasons: he was warm and caring; generous to no limits; fun-loving and funny; a party man yet a family man; and educator and teacher to children and adults. After his illness, he became no-nonsense and all business.Prior to his illness, he enjoyed having lots of company,, dancing and listening to music, especially jazz. In the past two years, he became a big fan of Court TV.David touched numerous lives. To say he will be missed is an understatement. Sunlight fell as David died peacefully in his sleep. He leaves to mourn: his mother, Elizabeth Washington; son, David Jr. (Jackie) of Louisville, Kentucky, daughter, Wendy of Louisville, Kentucky, daughter, Danene (Mt. Washington), and son, Damon (Woodlawn); sisters, Julia (Owings Mills), Dorothy Carmella (Woodlawn) and Gwendolyn (Baltimore); two grandchildren, David III and Shardae; great-grandson, Malachi; a devoted friend, Leo; and a host of other family members and friends. His father, Hilton, Sr. and brother, Hilton Jr. died in 2003.

Tributes

David Robert Randall

March 24, 1948 - September 5, 2008