W. Lewis Randolph

William “Lewis” Randolph of Waco passed from this life on June 10th, 2023 at the tender age of 90. He was born in Bandana, Kentucky, a thriving metropolis of 300 just up the road from Monkey’s Eyebrow, on January 16, 1933. As the handsome son of the local mill owner, Lewis was as close to country royalty as a young man can get.

While attending school at Freed-Hardeman College, he was forced to muster up every ounce of his charm to win the hand of the beautiful Eleanor “Sue” Traw, and on September 7, 1952, she became his wife in an equal partnership that would last 70 years. Lewis’s presence at school became a lifelong theme as he earned a Bachelor’s degree from Murray State University, a Master’s degree from the University of Michigan, and a Doctorate from North Texas State University. Even until his final days, Lewis swore his allegiance to the Michigan Wolverines and maintained a healthy disgust for Ohio State, as you should.

With Sue at his side and a growing set of diplomas and daughters, Lewis set about preaching and teaching American History in Michigan, Missouri, and California before settling in Dallas, Texas for the long haul. There he and Sue raised their four daughters, Kay, Awilda, Tammy, and Karen, as he earned his Doctorate in higher education while working three jobs. He retired from Irving ISD in 1998 and moved to Waco, where he taught briefly at Baylor and more extensively at his church. He maintained a lifelong interest in politics and lived his beliefs as a progressive who stood up for the oppressed while fighting for the right of others to disagree with him.

Lewis is survived by his wife, Sue Traw Randolph, three daughters, Awilda Acuff of College Station, Tammy Horner of Waco, and Karen Nix of Austin, nine grandchildren, thirteen great grandchildren, and a host of souls he has taught and influenced over the decades.

A public visitation will be held at Grace Gardens Funeral Home at 12:30 pm on June 14th, followed at 1:30 pm by a funeral service and then a private family graveside service. In lieu of flowers, please make donations in Lewis’s name to Mercy Ships and The American Cancer Society.

Registry for W. Lewis  Randolph