Randall Lee Thetford answered his final mission call when God called him home on September 27, 2021.
Randall was born in 1930 to Earl Lee Thetford and Minnie Lea (Meyers) Thetford in Gatesville, Texas. By age 10, he had made a profession of faith and began preaching by 17. It was during his time in college that he met and married Priscilla Keel of Stanford, Texas, the love of his life that was by his side for nearly 70 years until she passed away in December 2020. Blessed with four children, Randall led his family around the United States and the world with mission and ministry work. Serving in California, New Mexico, Arizona, the Philippines, Guam, and Texas, Randall took the word of God to those he met along the way.
Randall, though scarce with outward affections, always ensured his family was safe and healthy. Whether it was the time he stared down revolutionary guerillas in the Philippines, preparing to take on a cattle-killing bear in New Mexico, or sucking the snake venom from his granddaughter’s foot, Randall was a protective figure for his family. His children lived for his humorous stories or silly moods. When the children complained of being hungry between meals, they quickly learned that his serious offer of a “pine float” was simply a glass of water with a toothpick floating in it.
Randall is preceded to heaven by his wife, Priscilla and after 17 years he is reuniting with his daughter Randa.
He is survived by his daughter, Grace Lacene Stussi (Ralph); daughter, Ranell Williams; and son, Timothy Thetford. He is also survived by nine grandchildren and many great-grandchildren who loved their visits to Grandma and Grandpa Thetford’s farm and the sounds of Bonanza on the television.
In lieu of flowers memorials may be made to your local Alzheimer’s association (act.alz.org) or Mission Dignity (missiondignity.org). Mission Dignity provides assistance to retired pastors and their spouses.
Funeral services honoring Randall will be held at 2:00 PM on Tuesday, October 12. 2021 at Meador Funeral Home of Whitesboro, officiated by Rev. Derrick Roberts. A private family interment will follow at Dixie Cemetery. There will be a time of visitation for family and friends held one hour prior to the service at the funeral home.
I have many fond memories of coon hunting with Mr Thetford. They were both very good to me.
I knew the Thetford family from the Philippines and grew up with their kids. Uncle Randall was driven by his faith and his desire to share the word of God to everyone. He was a good and faithful servant who endured many years of care waiting to go home to rejoin Randa and his loving wife, Priscilla. I have no doubt he was greeted with warmth and love when he crossed the river to his rest. Prayers for the family that cared for him and the memories they have.
Though I knew Randall only a short time in the Philippines, he made himself a friend to Mary and me, when we were new missionaries. He was committed to being the best missionary. He was a friend.
Thank you for your thoughtfulness.
Our family enjoyed knowing Randall and Priscilla through the years. They were at Howard Payne University with Mike’s dad back in the 1950″s as both prepared to enter into the ministry. He was dedicated to his calling and his Lord. No doubt there is a grand celebration in heaven. Blessings to his family that will treasure many grand memories.
You may not have had much visible wealth, but I always remember the wonderful gales of laughter and love when you were together Priceless!!!
We knew Randall and Priscilla when they were missionaries in the Philippines. They loved the Lord and their family.
So sorry to hear of your loss. Prayers of comfort and strength in the days ahead.
Mabelee and I left the Philippines for Singapore. So we missed out on working with many. I know the name, but can’t recall meeting Randall. It is very painful to see so many of our fellow missionaries leaving this life. My condolences and sympathies go to the family. One day we will all be together again and I’ll look forward to getting better acquainted.
There was a loud “BANG” that shook your Thetford house where we were gathering for lunch at your home in the Philippines. We guys ran upstairs to see what happened.
Oh yes, that heavy hind leg and part of body of the steer that we lifted up onto the folding table had smashed onto the hardwood floor. Priscilla and Doris and the kids ran up to see too, all laughing happily at their supermen daddies who let the world crash down. When? About 1960’s or 70 something??? And there was lots more.
I knew Pastor Thetford when he was pastor at a church in Cour de Alene Idaho. What a gracious man of God that really helped me along the path!