I just heard, I no he's with God. I'll aways love him. He's With My Mother looking over all of us. I love you all.

May God bless you and your family in this time of sorrow.

I am sorry for your loss.  I knew Randy as a kid, me and my Brother Rusty.  We lived one street over from him and his family.  We would stand in the back yard and listen to him play drums.  I hate that he has gone, but know that he is with God and in a much better place than we are.  Again, I am truly sorry for your pain and loss. Mary Jane Norman Luce

Randy was a joy to take care of - always had a smile for us, no matter what he was dealing with. In my thoughts and prayers...

Miranda Smith (RN Frye)

I just heard about Randy, and my prayers are with the Shumate family. I remember him playing the piano and also drums in band at Hildebran School with such talent, and inspired me with  music even later,after moving to WNC before HS.He was so kind,and had a laugh that cheered everyone up. 

~Lewis Ellison, Old Fort,N.C.

7/15/13
So sorry to hear of Randy's passing. We graduated from Hildebran High together in 1973 and unfortunately I had not seen him since.  Many good memories from school, though. Sorry for your loss. Terry Hollar, Hickory

Shumate Family, We all will truly miss Randy but by the grace of our God someday we all will meet again. My prayers go out to all.    Bob Brank

Dear Shumate family, I just heard about Randy and as I sit here trying to see through tears I remember all the times he and I had over the many years I was lucky enough to spend with him. We were introduced to each other back in 1980 through my cousin Leslie up in Boone. I immediatly saw what a humorous, kind, and generous person he was. Not to mention his musical talent, infectious smile and positive attitude. It was impossible for me to not instantly love the guy and we became friends in no time. He was definately one of a kind and I cherish all the memories I have of our good times together. He always had a way of picking me up when I was down and I respected the way he had an endless supply of good advice and his genuine way of sharing it and honestly caring for his friends. He had so many good qualities that you just don't see in many people anymore. Even though I didn't get to spend much time with him through the last few years I thought about him alot and just all the memories of him and the times we did get to share together as friends makes me feel a little better that God made me one of the lucky ones that could call Randy a real friend. I am truely sorry for your loss and rest assured that your newest guardian angel will always be watching over you, protecting you. I really miss him and wish you and your family peace in this difficult time. God bless you and yours.

I so sorry to hear of your loss. Our prayers and thoughts are with you. Think about your family often because of the great memories from Hildebran School.

Rex & Rhonda Bumgarner
Claremont, NC

"What is life?  Is is the flash of a firefly in the night.  It is the breath of a buffalo in the wintertime.  It is the little shadow which runs across the grass and loses itself at sunset" 
Last words of Blackfoot warrior, Crowfoot - 1890

Dear Shumate family,

I was saddened to learn of the loss of Randy.  He was a remarkable personality, a good musician, a handsome fella and good friend to many.  His shadow has lost itself in the sunset, but it will not be lost in the hearts and minds of those who had the pleasure to have known him.

Randy was a senior when I was a freshman drummer and I thought he was the best.I have many good memories of Randy and that year.So Very sorry for your loss. Tony Penland

As one of Randy's best friends in High School, I am saddened by his passing, not so much the fact that he is no longer with us.......he will always be with us in our memories. The fact that, as our lives take us in different directions, we lose contact with those who, at that certain time in our lives were so very special. I am saddened by the fact that I allowed the "busyness" of life to cause me not to maintain that relationship. Randy had an infectious smile, laugh, and attitude and he always brightened everyone's day when he was around. I will forever cherish the memories of the times we shared. Jim, Naomi, Rita, Judy, & Jimmy, my prayers through the upcoming days will be with you. Please know that Randy's life was a tribute to his family and the values and beliefs you all share. I have no doubt that Randy is now a part of the greatest praise band that will ever be assembled and one day we will all rejoice at the greatest reunion of all time.

Jim,Naomi & family, I am so sorry for the loss of your beloved son and my dear friend. Randy has always had a special spot in my heart and will be missed. He is in a better place now.  God Bless and be with you through these difficult times.

Randy and I went to school together from 1st grade through high school.  He was always a very good friend to me. Randy was popular, good looking, just the kind of guy people wanted to be around. But more than that, he was the kind of guy who made you feel good about yourself.  Even through all of his difficulties, I never saw him discouraged.  He was positive and upbeat and always flashed that big smile of his when I walked into his room.  I will truly miss our long talks.  I am praying for the Shumate family. God bless each of you.

I was so sorry to hear about Randy's passing. I went to school with Randy and even though I had not seen him in many many years, the mention of his name and you remembered that smile he had. He was always such a nice guy. My prayers are with you now, may God put his arms around each of  you and comfort you. Again I am so sorry for your loss.

My thoughts and prayers are with you during this time of loss.  Randy will be remembered as the kind and loving person he was and by that big smile he always had.  May you find peace in knowing that he no longer suffers as he is in the arms of our Loving Father.

Judi and Jimmy:  I am so saddened to hear of Randy's death. I have the fondest memories of him playing drums in the HHS band.  What a terrific guy.  I'll be remembering all of you as you deal with this loss.

I have known Randy many, many years. He always had a big smile, a firm handshake and a positive attitude. I had lost contact with him over the years, and am very sadden to hear of his passing. Jim and Naomi, my memories of him and you will always remain in times and events at church growing up. May your memories of Randy bring you peace and comfort in the days and weeks ahead. He is in God's arms!

I am sorry to learn of the loss of your family member.   Each of you will be remembered in my prayers.  You are a special family!

Randy was a very good person and will be missed greatly. Everytime i saw him he was smiling.I am sorry for your great loss may God Bless all.

Mr and Mrs Shumate, Thank you for giving us such a wonderful person that we could call a true friend. I will always carry such good memories of Randy.
God Bless all of you in the coming days and weeks

In my memory you will always be a young man in the prime of life and a large part of my own youth. Rest well my old and remembered friend.

Lyn Short
Hildebran Class of '73"

I am so sorry for your loss and will keep your family in my thoughts and prayers in the days ahead.

As the days and weeks pass, and as you return to life's routine, may you continue to feel comforted by the love and support of family and friends.

Jim and Naomi it was heart wrenching to hear about Randy leaving us with so many years he had ahead of him.I prayed he would get better soon and live a good life but it was not to be. The LORD come to visit Randy on Wednesday and held out HIS hand and Randy took hold and now he and the LORD are walking arm in arm up that long road to HEAVEN Amen.

Randy was such a joy to be around. Always smiling and he had such a great sense of humor.. He was loved by many and will be missed by many.

May your hearts soon be filled with wonderful memories of joyful times together as you celebrate a life well lived. Randy will surely be missed. 

God Bless.

OBITUARY

Randy Dean Shumate

Hickory Funeral Home

Show your support

Add a Memory

Share Obituary

Get Updates

Services