Randolph Pickett

We gather to honor and remember the life of Retired SGM Randolph Pickett who was born in Duplin County, Rose Hill, North Carolina on Wednesday, September 28, 1938, to the late Henry W. Pickett and Rosetta Rochelle Pickett. He was called home by our Heavenly Father on Saturday, December 27, 2025 at the age of 87. Randolph’s journey through life was filled with dedication, perseverance and unwavering commitment to his family, his friends and his country. On December 15, 1962, He joined in Holy union with his hometown sweetheart, Betty Chasten and God blessed them with two lovely children, Sandra and Randall. Randolph knew our Heavenly Father at an early age. He joined and was baptized at Island Creek AME Church, Rose Hill, N.C. as a youth. After moving to El Paso, TX, he became a member of Mt. Zion Baptist Church. Randolph spent more than 56 years of his life in service to the Department of Defense for this Country. He enlisted into the U.S. Air Force in 1955. After four years, he then enlisted into the U.S. Army for another 26 years active military service. Randolph retired as a Sergeant Major from active duty service on June 1, 1986 after serving faithfully and honorably. Not known to sit around, he immediately began his second career as a civilian employee of the U.S. Government until October, 2013. He was awarded the Army Achievement Medal for Civilian Service and multiple Certificate of Achievement awards. Randolph’s military service accomplishments for his exceptional performance, bravery, selflessness, unparalleled devotion to duty, and dynamic leadership were numerous. He received The Army Commendation Medal (First Oak Leaf Cluster), The Army Achievement Medal, The Good Conduct Medal, The Bronze Star Medal (First Oak Leaf Cluster), The Silver Star (For gallantry in action while on tour in Vietnam), The Meritorious Service Medal (First Oak Leaf Cluster), The Purple Heart and The Legion of Merit.

Randolph had many hobbies and interests. One of those was being a long time member of Sunset Lodge No. 76(PHA). He achieved his 33rd Degree Mason.He loved gardening, working in the yard, and fishing. He had a love for working with his hands. He was what we called a ‘wood whittler’. He made many pieces of accent furniture and personalized toy boxes for his grandchildren and other family members. His grandchildren hold on to theirs with fond memories. Let’s not forget that he also liked to make people laugh, a jokester one might say, even though he had a serious personality. If you called the house, he often answered “Joe’s pool hall”.Part of his testimony was “I thank God from where he brought me from to where I am today.”He leaves to cherish his memory, his daughter, Sandra McCrory; two wonderful grandchildren-Darrell McCrory and Tirrell McCrory, and a great granddaughter-Micaiah McCrory; two sisters-Thelma Floyd and Marghuerite Waller and a host of relatives and friends. His loving wife of 55 years, Betty Chasten Pickett and son, Randall Pickett preceded him in death; along with sisters-Dora Colton, Verain Brinson, Jean Boney and Essie Murray; brothers-Rodolph (his twin brother), Henry Pickett, Jr.(Buddy) and David Pickett. And last but never forgotten, his late beloved dogs- Honeycone and Rags, his friends and companions as he would call them.

Randolph's visitation will be held from 5:00 pm to 7:00 pm on Wednesday, January 28, 2026 at Sunset Funeral Home-West with a prayer service to commence at 6:00 pm. His celebration of life will be held at 11:30 am on Thursday, January 29, 2026 at Mt. Zion Baptist Church. Randolph's graveside will follow at 1:30 pm at Fort Bliss National Cemetery.