Obituary
In Loving Memory of
Randall James Thomas
April 28, 1949 – April 17, 2024
A loving son, brother, husband and father, Randy Thomas passed away on Wednesday April 17,
2024, in Ocala, Florida.
Randy was born in Florence, South Carolina to parents James and Olga Thomas. Randy grew
up in Miami, Florida. His childhood was filled with memories of showing off his baby-sister and
spending time on his dad’s boat, traveling to and from the Bahamas delivering goods to the locals.
Randy also loved spending summers at his grandparent’s farm back in Florence. He had a very special
bond with his grandfather, the memory of which Randy carried with him throughout life. In 1967 he
graduated from Palmetto Senior High. After graduating, Randy enlisted in the United Stated Marine
Corps. He served as an infantryman with the 1st Marine Regiment in Vietnam during the heaviest
combat engagement of the war in 1967-1969. Randy was promoted to the rank of Corporal and served
as both fire team leader and squad leader during his tour. Later in life, Randy enjoyed riding Harleys
with his closest friends. He especially enjoyed their camaraderie during bike week.
Shortly after his honorable discharge, Randy returned home and married the love of his life,
Sara Jacquelyne “Lynn” Dunbar. They had two beautiful children, Jacquelyne Stage and James Clark.
The family enjoyed making lasting memories, taking trips to Bimini and the Bahamas on their boat. In
1986, Randy experienced the tragic and unexpected loss of his beloved wife, Lynn. When moving from
the home that he had personally built for Lynn, he carved a note in the stairway. It read “This house
was filled with love. – Randy, Stage, Jamie.”
Persevering with the spirit of a marine, Randy continued on with his electrical contracting
business, Home Electric Service. Randy was not only proud to have been considered by his peers to be
an expert on the National Electric Code, but also an excellent mentor by many young men whom he
inspired to become licensed electrical contractors.
Randy was a marine through and through, who lived his life by the mantra “Once a marine,
always a marine.”
Randy is survived by children, Jacquelyne Stage Landt, James Clark Thomas, Sister Carol
Cohen and husband Allen Cohen. Son in law Walter Landt. Grandchildren Jacob, Zachary and his wife
Sydney, Joshua, Arianna, Sara and Ethan Landt. Great grandchildren Danny and Zoe Landt, as well as
several nieces, nephews, and his beloved service dog, Daisy.
We will always remember your selfless act of arranging medical help for me when experiencing a heart attack while diving in the Caribbean. Your advanced calls to doctor’s in Miami and arranging for them to be there to perform surgery saved my life. Carol and I will never ever forget this act and will always hold this in the utmost highest esteem. Rest in peace now; and stand the watch at the gates of heaven Marine! Ooorah!
You will be missed by both Carol and I. As a Marine and as a brother-in-law I have always had admiration and respect for you because you always stepped up to the higher calling. when I had a heart attack while scuba diving in the Caribbean, it was you who stepped up to help Carol get me the best medical treatment in Miami which saved my life…both she and I will always hold your selfless act of help in the time of greatest need in the utmost memory of you. Thanks for being there for us throughout the years…Rest in peace and stand vigil at the gates of heaven.
Dad in his Harley Days