INDIAN LAND, SC – Randall Garrett Lanford

Randall Garrett Lanford passed away on October 29, 2026, surrounded by his family. He was 85 years old.

Randy grew up in Anniston, Alabama, attended McCallie School, and graduated from Vanderbilt University with a degree in electrical engineering. He was a member of Kappa Alpha fraternity. Upon graduation, he was commissioned as an Ensign in the United States Navy and assigned to Pensacola for flight training. After earning his wings, he was stationed at Miramar in San Diego, where he flew the F-8 Crusader, a single-seat fighter jet. He went on to serve two tours in Vietnam, flying missions from aircraft carriers.

Following his military service, Randy began a career in commercial aviation, flying for Western Airlines and later Delta Air Lines. He retired in 2001.

Retirement gave Randy more time to pursue his many interests, which included traveling, stamp collecting, ham radio, computers, and shooting sports. He became the go-to computer guru for many friends and family members who needed help, a role he happily embraced. He especially enjoyed pistol and trap shooting.

Randy was predeceased by his parents, Jayne and John Lanford. He is survived by his wife of 63 years, Velma Baerwald Lanford; his daughters, Julia Lanford and Lisa Lanford Craig (Rick); his granddaughters, Lauren Stokes (Jared) and Lacey Craig (Mike); his great-grandson, Collin; and his sister, Sissy Lanford McGinty.

Randy will be dearly missed by all who knew and loved him. He will be remembered for his generosity, strong sense of ethics, and wonderfully quirky sense of humor.

The family will celebrate his life privately.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to Remote Area Medical, Fisher House, or Hope in Lancaster, South Carolina.