Obituary of Randall G. Tedder

Randall Gray “Randy” Tedder, 76, of Summerfield, FL, went to heaven on Thursday, December 24th, 2020.

 

Born in Milford, DE, to parents Robert K. & Mildred B. Tedder, Randy grew up in Fort Lauderdale, alongside his brother, Larry, and sisters, Janice & Vinni. He was a car buff, track star, and baseball player, and it was in high school where he met the love of his life, Myra Lee Cook. They were married after graduating from Stranahan High School (he ‘62/she ‘63).  Children Angie & Todd soon followed, as did a move on his birthday, July 12th, to Ocala in 1975, with Kari arriving shortly after that. 

 

Through skills and a family motto passed down from his building contractor father, Randall G. Tedder Construction was formed, and “Have It Built Better by Tedder” endured. Work consisted of remodeling and building homes, including those for the family. Later, he said, “God gave me the idea for the boat ramp system.” This idea changed his life and expanded his company’s brand. So complete and detailed, he was granted a trademark & copyright and created Tedder Boat Ramp Systems. In 1985, Ocala witnessed his first installation at Hope Beach on Lake Weir, and soon, his work expanded throughout the Southern US, where he, with his son, Todd, meticulously built each boat ramp. Randy will be remembered for the attention to detail, quality, durability, and passion for his work.  

 

Randy was so many things: hardworking, compassionate, easy-going, determined, and he brought fun and laughter to the home. He truly was the life of our party and the butter to our bread. He restored cars, was a patriot, animal lover, and a snack man. He never met a stranger and always had a joke, witty comment, or a smile on his face. He was a man of integrity, character, and reliability. 

If you knew Randy, you were changed. 

 

He made our community better. First sponsoring a men’s softball team, then fielding one of his own named Tedder Construction. He brought people together. That community included: President of the L.W.H.S. Kickoff Club, Marion County Board of Adjustments, building boat ramps around our beautiful area to improve water recreation. If you have used a boat ramp anywhere in Marion County, FL, you know Randy Tedder. 

For a man that did not even own a boat, he loved installing boat ramps and did that for you! He was twice Manager of the Marion County Fair, a sponsor and cooked for Marion County Legislative Day in Tallahassee, supported the T-ball & Little League baseball teams of his grandson, Jarrett, got involved with local politics, donated to various local organizations & charities, and was well-known, in S. Marion County, for his huge light display at Christmas. 

 

Last but certainly not least, he was a family man: a husband, father, brother, in-law, grandpa, uncle, and cousin. Above all, Randy was a child of God, the example of how a man should be, making church & knowing Jesus a priority. He provided all we needed, which included love, discipline & laughter, and extravagance with horses. This is where he became the cowboy we all knew and loved. We were a family on the go! Even if only a drive in the country, he knew every back road. He spent time with his kids and strongly urged them to do their best, while his two grandkids, Jarrett and Rebecca, received encouragement in their pursuits of sports and F.F.A. activities. He also had a strong work ethic and rules, warnings, and consequences that served as an example for his kids. We are better for that.  

 

One of his last prayers, he said – “Oh Lord, thank You for my children, that we love more than they will ever know, and Lord thank You that they are here and able to help us…” Time is precious. Limited. Preordained. We are all blessed by loving, knowing, and being called a friend of Randy Tedder, and we are comforted by his words, “I’ll see you when I see you.” 

 

“Truly, truly, I say to you, the one who hears My word, and believes Him who sent Me, has eternal life, and does not come into judgment, but has passed out of death into life.” John 5:24

 

Preceded in death by parents, Robert K. & Mildred B. Tedder, sister Janice Wilson-Eblin, and grandson Jarrett R. Tedder, Randy is survived by his devoted wife, Myra L. Tedder of Summerfield, FL.  

Loving father of Angie A. (Kerry) Crawford, of Citra, FL; Todd R. (Heather) Tedder, and Kari E. Tedder (Jason), and proud grandfather of Becca S. Tedder, all of Summerfield, FL. Brother of Larry R. (Deborah) Tedder of Cape Coral, FL and Vinni Leigh (Michael) Krayer-Cole of Venice, FL; and many nieces and nephews, cousins, and longtime friends. 

 

A Celebration of Life will be held Saturday, January 9th, at First Baptist Church of Ocala, 2801 SE Maricamp Road, Ocala, FL 34471. Viewing will begin at 10 am, and Celebration at 11 am. Accommodations allow for social distancing. Hiers-Baxley Funeral Services is handling arrangements, and online condolences may be expressed at www.hiers-baxley.com.

 

Please, in lieu of flowers, kindly make donations to Voices of Change Animal League (V.O.C.A.L.), 6393 SW 52nd St., Ocala, FL 34474 www.vocalforpets.org in memory of Randall G. Tedder. In honor of Dad, our family encourages random acts of kindness like giving someone a smile, laughter, and cherishing family & friends, making each moment count. AC

 

 

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