Randy's Journey

"It is foolish and wrong to mourn the men who died. Rather we should thank God that such men lived."  ~ George S. Patton

Randolph "Randy" Flakes began his earthly journey April 6, 1940 in LaFayette, Chambers County, Alabama.  He transitioned to be with the Lord while embraced by family members on Thursday, December 1, 2022 at Huntsville Hospital.  His passing marked the end of a 14-year battle with complications attributed to a corrective knee replacement surgery in 2008.  He was preceded in death by his parents, Robert Monroe Flakes and Dorothy Louise Heard Flakes.  His parents divorced early in his infancy.  Thereafter, his paternal grandmother, Artie Flakes, and paternal great-aunt, Effie Frances Wheat, became his primary guardians. This close custodianship was shared by his father's siblings –Carrie Flakes Brooks, Thomas Jefferson Flakes, Solomon Flakes, and Nick Council Flakes.  It was through this inner tribe of great-aunts and great-uncles that  overwhelmingly shaped Randy's life and influenced his collegiate aspirations.

As a teenager, he accepted Christ as his Lord and Savior and affiliated with Powell Chapel United Methodist Church in LaFayette, AL.  Following the establishment of residency in Huntsville, AL and college graduation, he joined Lakeside United Methodist Church under the leadership of Rev. Moses C. Barrett, Sr. in 1962.  He served Lakeside faithfully until failing health prevented his active participation. During his active years, Randy served on numerous committees and  as Administrative Council Chairperson of the church for 14 years.

Randy graduated from Chambers County Training School in May 1958.  In the fall of 1958, Randy began matriculating at Alabama A&M College graduating  May 1962 earning a Bachelor of Science degree in Auto Mechanics and a minor in History and Government.

He met his college sweetheart, Sylvia R. Sledge, his freshman year at Alabama A&M.  She affectionately, called him "Randy" and the nickname remained throughout his life.  They were married  in 1962 and to the union were born three daughters:  Sylvia Regina, Jacqueline Renee, and Angela Ranette.

Randy always proclaimed, "the best decision he made was selecting Sylvia as his wife."  She strongly supported him as a partner and soul mate in all their endeavors.  He overwhelmingly credited her for the strategic planning of their lives and the academic successes of their daughters.

Randy's career encompassed over four decades. His work experience included mechanic/Montgomery Ward Company; Manufacturing Aid/Northrop Space Laboratory; Electro-Mechanical Draftsman/General Electric; Auto Mechanic Instructor and boys varsity basketball coach/Councill Training School; Property Adjuster/Allstate Insurance Company; Claims Adjuster/Traveler's Insurance; and full time entrepreneur as Agent/Owner of the Randy Flakes Insurance Agency offering property, casualty and life insurance. The establishment of his own insurance agency was one of the pinnacle achievements of his life.  Further, it contributed to the small number of black owned businesses in North Alabama at that time – channeling diversity and acceptance of small local insurance enterprises. Once again, by his side in the Agency, Sylvia was at the helm of the business plan, daily operations, and customer engagement, which produced optimal operations.

Randy was a strong advocate of athletic sports.  He proved to be both an exceptional player and coach. As a college basketball standout, he was distinguished with the Most Valuable Player Award in 1961.  On September 26, 1997, Randy was inducted into the Alabama Agricultural and Mechanical University (AAMU) Athletic Hall of Fame and served as chair of this organization for a number of years. During his stint as an employee at Councill Training, he taught auto mechanics and coached the boys' basketball team to two championships. He was a long-term member of the Fraternal Club of Huntsville, the Huntsville Progressive Alumni Chapter of AAMU and the  Athletic Booster Club of Huntsville which promotes athletics and achievements of those in athletics in both men and women sports at the high school and collegiate level.

He was a "people person" who never met a stranger.  Randy had an awesome sense of humor; he loved to make you laugh and he always had a joke or a comical memory of something.  He was an avid golfer and loved Lakeside, AAMU, sports, music (Jazz, blues, country and gospel),and soul food. His special love were his grands.

His memories shall be cherished by a devoted wife, Sylvia Sledge Flakes; three daughters:  (Sylvia R. Williams (Michael A.), Jacqueline R. Martin, Angela R. Smith (Pizas); one son, Stephen Langford (Jessica); one sister, Cheree Hall; one sister-in-law, Gloria Bone; eight grandchildren: Danielle Williams, Michael R. Williams; Jacqueline "Nicole" Martin;  Alyssa Smith, Nyah Smith and Ellis Smith; Steffany Langford and Benjamin Langford; one godson, Kyle Flakes; two nieces; two nephews; three great nieces; two great-great nephews; and a host of cousins, colleagues, and friends.

Today we celebrate the life of Randolph Flakes—husband, father, grandfather, family patriarch, educator, entrepreneur, mechanic, and a man of God.  He fought a good battle, his remains will be buried but his good deeds live on. We rejoice in knowing he is at peace with his Maker.  May his gentle soul rest in peace.

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Funeral service for Mr. Randolph Flakes will be Wednesday, December 7, 2022 at 11:00 a.m. at Lakeside United Methodist Church with the Reverend Percy Nolan officiating. Mr. Flakes will lie in repose one hour prior to the funeral service. Interment will be at Valhalla Memory Gardens.

To view Mr. Flakes' service virtually, please use this link: https://youtu.be/D8oz9boF2xs

Public Viewing:  Tuesday, December 6, 2022 ~ 10:00 a.m. - 8:00 p.m.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be made to Lakeside United Methodist Church.