Hilton Ernest Randall

Hilton Ernest Randall, Sr. was born December 25, 1918 in Baltimore, MD. His father, David Randall and grandmother raised him. He departed this life on October 14, 2003, after a lengthy illness. Hilton, affectionately known as “Daddy,” “Granddaddy”, “Randall”, and “Randy”, overcame many hurdles to excel in his lifetime.In infancy, he had rickets. This condition caused him to literally crawl before he walked until age nine. Though he started his education late, he was not deterred from obtaining skills he needed.He graduated from Carver Vocational School in 1937 with a trade in carpentry. Having difficulty finding a decent job as a carpenter, he decided to pursue a high school diploma and graduated from Douglass Evening High School.During Hilton’s teenage years, he became interested in music, and for several years he excelled in it. He gave concerts featuring operas, spirituals and classical music throughout the Baltimore Metropolitan area. In his autobiography, in reference to his performance with the Baltimore Symphony Opera Company at Carnegie Hall in New York City, Hilton states, “ I felt like I was in heaven singing with the angels”.He started his religious experience at Ames Memorial Methodist Church. He sang on many church choirs and even conducted some of them. Until his death, he was an active member at Brown Memorial Park Avenue Presbyterian Church (USA) where he was a Deacon Emertus.In 1939, he married Elizabeth Davidson. From that union, five children were born : Julia, Hilton, Jr. (who predeceased him), Dorothy, David, and Gwendolyn. This marriage ended in divorce. In 1982, he married Mary Jones.Starting his work career as a bootblack, he worked at several occupations until he entered the insurance business. From 1955 until his retirement, he worked in this industry and advanced from agent to manager. During his lifetime he was very active in community organizations. He was a President of the Oliver Homes Association, worked with the BUILD Organization and Genesis Jobs. He joined the Waxter Center and participated in the Sacred Singers Choir. Hilton Randall loved singing, He studied voice under Joseph Eubanks and German teacher. He enjoyed listening to opera and classical selections.

Tributes

Hilton Ernest Randall

December 25, 1918 - October 14, 2003