Randall “Randy” Thomas Smith, age 70, of Fayetteville, TN, passed away on Wednesday, October 1, 2025, at Huntsville Hospital in Huntsville, AL.
Born on July 17, 1955, in Lincoln Co., TN, Randy was the son of the late Alfred Pete Smith and Rebecca Moore Smith. He was a graduate of Central High School, a member of the Prospect Baptist Church, and an active member of the Fayetteville Elks Lodge.
Randy was, simply put, a man who loved people. Known affectionately around Fayetteville as “The Curls,” he had a warm, outgoing spirit and truly never met a stranger. This genuine love of connection led him to the best possible career as the National Sales Manager for Jackson Morgan Southern Cream, a job he enjoyed immensely because it put him in front of people every single day.
Above all else, Randy cherished his family. His greatest joy in life was being “Papa Randy” to his granddaughters.
Survivors include his sons, Adam (Susan) Smith, Eric (Tai) Smith, and Nick Smith; his cherished granddaughters, Iris Smith and Charlie Smith; his brothers, Tracey (LeeAnn) Smith and Terry Smith; and numerous nieces and nephews: Gavin Smith, Kaleigh Smith, Brennan Smith, Christie Smith, Missy Smith, Corey (Stephanie) Smith, and Jimmy Thad Eatherly. In addition to his parents, Randy was preceded in death by his brother, Alfred Pete Smith, Jr., and his sister, Debbie Smith Faulkner.
Funeral service will be held at 2 PM on Sunday, October 5, 2025, at Higgins Funeral Home with Dr. Ronnie Gay and Mike Wetherington officiating. Burial will follow in Higgins Cedar Hills Memorial Gardens. The family will receive friends for visitation from 11 AM until the time of the service on Sunday at Higgins Funeral Home.
In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to the Lincoln County Falcon Football Club, PO Box 453, Fayetteville, TN 37334.
Higgins Funeral Home is honored to be serving the family of Randall “Randy” Thomas Smith.
28 Comments To "Randall “Randy” Thomas Smith"
#1 Comment By Lisa Reese Mcgar On October 1, 2025 @ 2:36 pm
So very sorry about Randy.. I took the call this morning when he was having trouble breathing .. my thoughts and prayers are with you all.
#2 Comment By Rickey Honey On October 1, 2025 @ 3:06 pm
Never be another Curls
#3 Comment By Audrey Gentry On October 1, 2025 @ 3:06 pm
So sorry to hear this. We were friends for many years. Sending prayers and hugs for his family. He will be missed.🙏🏻🙏🏻❤️
#4 Comment By Gloria Ann Green Talley On October 1, 2025 @ 3:11 pm
I Graduated With Randy From Central High School.The Class Of “73” I Remember Him And His Younger Brothers.I Rode The School Bus Also With Them.
My Sincere Condolences To The Family And Friends. May God Bless You During Your Time Of Grief!
#5 Comment By Jimmy and Diane Buchanan On October 1, 2025 @ 3:33 pm
Randy was a fine man, who was extremely proud of his children! Whenever I saw him, we always had a long and good conversation. He will be greatly missed by his family and many friends!
#6 Comment By Michael Gulley On October 1, 2025 @ 3:54 pm
Well said, Curly never met a stranger. A very dear friend and will be missed very much. I still haven’t figured out what Lincoln County will do without the curls. Rest in peace brother.
#7 Comment By Tony and Lereca Swinford On October 1, 2025 @ 3:57 pm
We are so sorry for your loss. He was always full of laughter and smiles. He was a very sweet man. Prayers for your family 🙏🏻❤️
#8 Comment By Bill LoVine On October 1, 2025 @ 4:08 pm
I had the pleasure of being one of Randy’s distributor reps in New York for quite a few years. I have never seen anyone who was as enthusiastic and passionate about the products that they were selling as he was. His table was always very busy at our retail trade shows doing tastings for Jackson Morgan as customers loved his outgoing personality and that little southern twang of his, not to mention the Orange Cream which he called Creamsicle in a bottle. I am shocked and saddened by his sudden passing. RIP my friend, you are already missed.
#9 Comment By Gerald and Wanda Brown Scott On October 1, 2025 @ 4:27 pm
We are So Sorry. He was A Special Person. God Bless the Family and Friends with Comfort and Peace in the Days to Come.
#10 Comment By Pam Lindsay Lineberger Mason On October 1, 2025 @ 4:30 pm
So sorry for your loss. Graduating class of 1973. I always like Randy
#11 Comment By Brian and Sarah Buchmann On October 1, 2025 @ 5:56 pm
Too many great ones to mention and will treasure them along with all the time and friendship shared.
#12 Comment By David Kinser On October 1, 2025 @ 6:13 pm
Hate to hear this
#13 Comment By Alvin Palmer On October 1, 2025 @ 6:22 pm
God Bless the Smith family. Randy and I were teammates in high school. We shared great moments together at Central High.
He will be truly missed!
#14 Comment By Sheila C On October 1, 2025 @ 6:32 pm
No there will never be another “Curls” He was always so nice to me and always seemed so glad to see you. Never heard him say a negative thing. He will be missed.
#15 Comment By Judy Toon On October 1, 2025 @ 6:47 pm
Deeply sorry for the loss of Randy!
#16 Comment By Williams twins Daryl and David On October 2, 2025 @ 7:58 am
Went through school Randy was good guy lots of memories in school with him
#17 Comment By Neal Golden On October 2, 2025 @ 8:10 am
Deeply saddened that I will miss his funeral! I knew Curls since we were little kids. Our families traveled to Daytona Beach for many years together. Later we built adjoining cabins on Tim’s Ford were we spent countless years. Great memories that will last a lifetime! Gone but never forgotten!
#18 Comment By Debbie Gentry Miahnahri On October 2, 2025 @ 8:59 am
So sorry to hear of Randy’s passing. He was such a great guy. Always smiling and so much fun to be around. My thoughts are prayers are with his family at this time.
#19 Comment By Bobby Henderson On October 2, 2025 @ 9:03 am
So sorry to hear about Randy “Curls”Smith passing. We worked together for years at Jack Daniels. We talked earlier this year in Shelbyville, his friendship we be greatly missed! R.I.P my friend 🕊️
#20 Comment By Greg Pruitt On October 2, 2025 @ 9:12 am
I have not seen Randy (always Curly Joe to me) in many years. I benefited from his tutelage when I was a young man trying to find my way. RIP Curly Joe!
#21 Comment By Wayne Horton On October 2, 2025 @ 10:23 am
I am at a loss of words right now. Curls was one of the best lifelong friends I ever had. He always had good things to say about everyone and to everyone. Curls always had time to visit me after we got older. I will miss my brother in life.
#22 Comment By Katrina McElroy LeBlanc On October 2, 2025 @ 10:44 am
I have know Randy since he and my brother were very good friends in high school. ever since, he has always affectionately hugged me when we ran into each other. I am so sorry to read this
#23 Comment By Donald Pinkstaff Jr. (Bubba) On October 2, 2025 @ 2:12 pm
Adam, Eric, and Nick, I am devastated by Randy’s untimely passing . My entire family is grieving with you. We were friends from childhood and never lost track with each other. Randy was my best friend in my life and I will miss him forever. God Speed my good friend, your work on earth is done.
#24 Comment By Mark Gibson On October 2, 2025 @ 2:15 pm
So sorry to hear about Randy’s passing. Prayers and thoughts for his family . Mark and Cindy Gibson
#25 Comment By Tricia Milliken On October 2, 2025 @ 3:38 pm
My sincerest condolences to the family. Randy would always greet me kindly. His personality set him apart. That’s not something anyone can replace. Truly sorry.
#26 Comment By Jerry McCloud On October 3, 2025 @ 8:22 am
Rest in Peace my friend and fellow ELK.
#27 Comment By Linda Williams On October 3, 2025 @ 12:07 pm
Randy will be definitely missed by all who knew him. He was a frequent visitor at the Warrior Exhibit! He always brought and incited smiles wherever he went!! I loved him!!
#28 Comment By Joe Soda On October 3, 2025 @ 12:11 pm
I had the pleasure of working with Randy in the state of Wisconsin. Over 20 years, I’ve not worked with a more genuine human being. Randy knew exactly who he was and was very proud of that. He met my family, attended a Badger game with us, broke bread and was always a phone call away. He always talked about his family and especially his grandchildren. I vividly remember a story about a toy car that one of them received from Randy. Our General Beverage family is deeply saddened by his sudden passing. I will NEVER forget my time with Randy. Godspeed my friend. GO VOLS!