Randy Wayne Gilchrist of Mims, Florida, went to be with his Heavenly Father on June 17th, 2026. He passed away at home with his family, where he has always been happiest. He leaves behind a legacy of laughter and love; his heart was as big as his smile.

Randy was born to Howard and Marilyn (Braden) Gilchrist on February 12th, 1959, in Castro Valley, California. When he was still young, he and his parents and his two siblings found their way to Heiskell, Tennessee. Randy attended Clinton High School in his teenage years, where he played football and basketball and was in the marching band. He was very proud of telling folks that he could run a 4.4 second 40-yard dash while in full football pads. That story’s accuracy has been debated, though, as his family loves to joke.

After spending some time on the campus of the University of Tennessee, Knoxville (where he became a RABID Tennessee Volunteer football fan), he enlisted in the United States Air Force. He served there as an aircraft mechanic before being honorably discharged. He then served as a telecommunications specialist in the Air Force Reserve. Randy was always extremely proud of his service to his country.

In the fall of 1991, Randy married the woman that he fell in love with after their first date, his wife Gail. He then took on a son that he didn’t have to… Gail’s son Joel. He raised up Joel and loved him just like he was his very own. Gail and Joel returned his love just the same, and they became a perfect family unit. People said they could feel the love in the household the minute they walked through the front door. Randy was a huge part of the love that has always been shared in the Gilchrist home.

Randy spent his life working in and climbing the ladder in the concrete industry, where he eventually became the Space Coast’s driving instructor for Cemex Concrete. His favorite activities included sport fishing, scuba diving, golfing, and visiting the posts of veteran’s organizations, where he loved to spend time with his military brothers and sisters. But in all that he did, he made sure that he did it with his family.

Randy leaves behind his mother, Marilyn, his beloved wife Gail, his son Joel (Whitney), his brother-in-law Leon (who was his best friend) and sister-in-law Mary, his grandson Carter, brother Jerry and sister Terri. He is also survived by countless nieces, nephews, and so many that were fortunate to call him friend. He will be sorely missed by all whom had the pleasure of knowing him.

A memorial service will be held Saturday, June 27, 2027 at 11 am for Randy at his home church, Temple Baptist Church, in Titusville, Florida (1400 US-1, Titusville, Florida, 32796). Following that, there will be a casual celebration (as Randy wished) at the Veteran’s of Foreign Wars Post #4228 in Titusville (4411 Capron Road, Titusville, Florida, 32796) at 1:00 pm following the service.

In lieu of flowers, please consider donating to St. Jude’s Children’s Hospital.