Clifford Randall III

At the behest of Clifford Randall, Sr. and with a promise of a new dress from the Fair Store; Betty Withers Randall named her second born son, Clifford Randall, III.

He arrived early on August 6, 1951 and was happily welcomed by his mother and father, Clifford Randall, Junior, and an eleven month old brother, Richard. Six years later, a baby sister, Jan, completed the family.

Clifford grew up in the Stonewall neighborhood of Lexington and attended Lafayette High School. He graduated in 1969 where he distinguished himself as a competitive athlete in baseball and football.

In the fall of 1969, he moved to Somerset with his grandmother Ella Withers while attending Somerset Community College. He also worked in the Randall family business, Cumberland Stave where they cut white oak into staves to ship to Brown Forman in Louisville for whiskey barrels. He later served as Vice President of the company.

On June 1, 1974, he married Gerrye Foster on a day he claimed had the hardest rainfall anyone had ever seen. Their union was blessed with a baby girl, Monica, born in November of 1977 and a baby boy, Greg, born in March of 1982.

In addition to a busy family life, Clifford enjoyed coaching YBL at the YMCA and was responsible for starting a very successful softball team, named Cumberland Stave. They won many local and area tournaments, despite their nemesis, Southern Tire.

His love for tennis began playing at "The Hole" but as he improved he traveled to local and state tournaments, and the Southerns, achieving high rankings. This prompted the origin of the Central Kentucky Tennis Series, where tournaments were hosted in Somerset and surrounding areas, and later in life, played competitively in Louisville during his tenure there.

Finding himself in a family of teachers, Clifford was inspired to complete his secondary teaching degree in history and political science. This led him to teach Advanced Placement US History, which he loved. Under his instruction, his students excelled with high scores on the AP exam. He chaired the Somerset High School and district social studies department.

Along with his teaching expertise, Clifford utilized his skills as an assistant basketball coach for the Briar Jumpers and the head tennis coach. He led his boys tennis teams to Kentucky High School state tournaments, always finishing in the top 5.

Clifford carried education across the world with his brother-in-law, Bob Tucker hosting trips to Europe with countless young people.

Education, coaching and mentoring young people is where Clifford found his stride, and he did it impeccably well. This was his arena and he was a star.

Clifford was humble and never sought a claim. His legacy is not of power or prestige, but that of people, students and the underserved. He treated everyone the same and touched many lives in all the ways that count.

Clifford served on various education committees, Somerset Little League Board and past president of Somerset Country Club. He worked tirelessly to perfect the grounds and the beauty of the club. His most recent and meaningful, becoming a member of First Baptist Church.

Clifford was predeceased by his mother; Betty Withers Randall Carmichael, his father; Clifford Randall, Jr. and step-father; William Carmichael.

He is survived by his wife, Gerrye Foster Randall, a daughter, Monica Jill Lackey (Chris) and a son, Gregory Foster Randall (Hailey); one brother Richard Hampton Randall; one sister, Janice Faith Trivico (Frank). Five grandchildren remain, grandsons; Asher Randall Smith and Griffin Thomas Smith; granddaughters; Lillian Grace Randall, Lola James Randall and Lucy Rose Randall.  Four nephews; Ryan Foster Tucker, Neal Robert Tucker, William Wesley Fox and Aaron Glenn Randall; one niece; Caitlin Cress Randall, brother and sister-in-law; Bob and Sherrye Tucker; one special  uncle; Hobe Withers (Margaret) and special aunt; Wanda Dick; step-mother Beverly Randall; step siblings; Mitch and John Diamond and Lisa Colyer.

Clifford Randall, III passed away on July 14th, 2022, at his residence.  He will be celebrated on Thursday, July 21st, at First Baptist Church, Somerset, Kentucky.  The family will receive friends from 11 - 2, with a celebration of life immediately following.  Mike Phelps will be officiating along with Reverend Ryan Coffey.

Pulaski Funeral Home is honored to assist the family of Clifford Randall, III with arrangements.

To honor Clifford Randall, III memorials may go to Friends in Faith Sunday School class in care of Jim Ed McClung, 128 North Main Street, Somerset, Kentucky 42501; and Somerset Country Club in care of Autumn Ard, 1216 North Main Street, Somerset, Kentucky 42501.