Randall Lynn Pingley

Randy was born in Elkins, WV on April 16, 1948. He graduated from Tygarts Valley High School, Class of 1966, Potomac State College of WVU in 1968, and West Virginia University in 1971. He received his Master of Science degree from Florida Institute of Technology in 1984.

He graduated the Army War College and served a distinguished 28-year career in the United States Army. His military service included tours in Germany, Iraq, and Kuwait as well as stateside duty stations at Ft Dix, Ft Eustis, Ft Benning, Ft Knox, Ft Leavenworth, Military Traffic Command (Bayonne, NJ). He retired as a Colonel from McPherson in 1999. He was awarded numerous decorations including Defense Superior Service Medal, Legion of Merit, Meritorious Service Medal, Joint Service Commendation Medal, Army Commendation Medal, Armed Forces Expeditionary Medal, Vietnam Service Medal, and United Nations Medal.

Following his military retirement, he served four years as the Director of Transportation for Williamsburg James City County Public Schools.

Randy was a loving husband, father and grandfather and was selfless with his time and commitment to help others. He met his wife Nancy in college. Together they raised their two wonderful children and traveled overseas and to many states, loving the military life. In retirement, his greatest joy was spending time with his family. Randy loved his home and was passionate about his yard and his bird feeders. "Ping" played high school and college basketball, and league sports while in the Army. His favorite pastime was golfing several days a week with his buddies. Most recently he enjoyed learning to use his cell phone which he resisted getting until this year.

Randy was preceded in death by his parents, Bedford Pingley and Audrey Belle Kittle Pingley. He is survived by his loving wife of 55 years, Nancy; son, Randall L. Pingley Jr. (Karen); daughter, Angela Welsh; grandsons, Brandon Pingley (Elizabeth), Liam and Gavin Welsh, granddaughter, Samantha Pingley; great-grandson, Julian Pingley; brother, Victor Pingley (Jeanie); sister, Brenda Miller; brother-in law, Glenn (Nancy); sister-in-law, Judy (Ken); and many loving cousins, nieces and nephews, and friends.

Randy worshipped faithfully with Nancy at St Bede Catholic Church. In lieu of flowers, charitable donations may be made to Heritage Human Society, 430 Waller Mill Rd, Williamsburg or FISH, 312/314 Second St, Williamsburg, VA. 23185.

Services will be held on Monday, December 16th with a prayer service at 5pm, visitation following until 7pm, Nelsen Funeral Home, 3785 Strawberry Plains Rd, Williamsburg, VA. He will be laid to rest at Mount Vernon Cemetery near Beverly, WV on Friday, December 20th.

Randy will be greatly missed by all who knew and loved him. May God keep his memory eternal.