Randy Simons, 66, passed away peacefully at his home on Friday, March 29th, 2020.

He had a powerful presence and was adored by so many but would be best described as Steady, Loyal, Proud and Loved. Steady because he was always reliable. Remaining the same guy he had always been growing up, you could count on him to enjoy a good party, drive his golf ball perfectly down the fairway and slightly crush your bones with his fierce handshake. From tearing up the dance floor to savoring a cold beer or bloody mary to telling a great story from his childhood, he was tried and true and he left an impression everywhere he went. He was a social butterfly, a bit of a gossip (which we all secretly loved), made everyone laugh with his quick wit and sarcasm, and cherished being surrounded by people he loved.

     Randy was at his core a loyal guy. From being loyal to his honorary alma mater, Virginia Tech, to his family and friends- if he loved you, he had your back. He established a great brotherhood from all of his years working at NASA, had a close circle of life long friends and fiercely fought to protect and provide for those that he cared for. When you think of Randy, proud is often a word that comes to mind.

     He was the dad that was at every game his kids played in growing up, loudly cheering from the sidelines and letting his personality shine. He was the surrogate dad to both of his kids’ friends- remaining a figure in many of their lives and enjoyed hearing about all of their milestones and accomplishments. You could always count on him to be there for you, and whether it was to provide support or celebrate a momentous occasion, he truly reveled in seeing his family and friends succeed.

He was always very close to his daughter and his son, and beamed with pride over the lives they were building- especially becoming a grandfather to his two grandsons, which was something he treasured. Above anything, he was proud of the life and love he created with wife Sheila of 45 years. He was grateful for the life they had built and felt blessed to be the man he was because of her. They were the couple you always knew were going to be together forever and who’s home was always filled with warmth and laughter. 

    Lastly, he was loved. Loved by so many- his wife, his two kids and their spouses, his grandsons, many relatives, friends and companions. He had a lively spirit that was contagious, he was someone you wanted to know and be around, and was all around a great guy.

    He will be sorely missed by so many but we know he’s on a golf course, enjoying a cold one, surrounded by and laughing with those that have gone before him.

    Cremation Society of Virginia-Newport News assisted the family with their arrangements.