Dr. Randall (Randy) Fred Akel, 52, was called home to be with our LORD on Sunday, July 3, 2016, while playing with his two dogs at his home in Chicago, Illinois. Randy, the beloved son of the late Fuad Salim Akel and Naheel Hanna Akel, was born June 11, 1964, in Jacksonville, Florida. He graduated from Terry Parker High School in Jacksonville Florida; earned a Bachelor of Science Degree from Jacksonville University; was awarded a Doctorate of Optometry Degree from the Illinois College of Optometry in Chicago, Illinois, and was licensed to practice optometry in both Florida and Illinois. While attending Optometry School, Randy fell in love with the people, culture and cuisine of Chicago, where he spent the last 24 years. Nonetheless, he never forgot that Jacksonville was his home, and was constantly traveling back and forth for special occasions. He touched the hearts and impacted the lives of everyone he met, and was one of those rare people who made every occasion special just by being present. Randy is survived by his mother Naheel Hanna Akel , his life partner William (Bill) Dulek; his sister Janie Nasr; his brothers Dr. Edward F. Akel (Charlene) and the Honorable Franklin F. Akel (Dorothy); his nephews Zachary Nasr, Joey Nasr, Elias Nasr Jr., Anthony Akel, Michael Akel, Christopher Akel, Jacob Akel and Joshua Akel; his beautiful niece Trinity Faith Akel; and countless others who considered Randy not only an inspiration, but a true friend. Randy enjoyed maintaining contact with family and friends throughout the United States and around the world. He kept in touch with family and friends in California, Tennessee, Kentucky, New York, Texas, Florida, Israel and Australia, just to name a few. He opened his home to everyone who came to Chicago and was ready to assist everyone and anyone who needed his help. He was a first generation American who was passionate about his heritage. He loved his homeland of Ramallah, and is especially remembered as a talented Arabic singer, songwriter and recording artist. Randy was baptized and confirmed in the Episcopal Church and loved the LORD. He was a person who truly cared and will be dearly missed by all who knew and continue to love him. A visitation will be held in Jacksonville, Florida on Monday, July 11, 2016, from 6-7 p.m., at the HARDAGE -GIDDENS FUNERAL HOME, 4115 Hendricks Avenue, Jacksonville, Florida 32207. Funeral services will be held Tuesday, July 12, 2016, at 2:00 p.m. at ALL SAINTS EPISCOPAL CHURCH, 4171 Hendricks Avenue, Jacksonville, Florida 32207, with the Reverend Donavan G. Cain officiating.
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HARDAGE-GIDDENS, THE OAKLAWN CHAPEL, 4801 San Jose Blvd is serving the family.
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