I meet Randy when we were both 5 years old. We lived across the street from each other. He was a brother to me and a great friend. I have a thousand memories. When our moms would get a load of dirt for the yard, Randy and I would dig tunnels in it and play with his cars and trucks. The summers playing in his treehouse were a blast. Endless evenings playing hide & seek or pretending to pull a rope when cars drove down the street (especially when the Blakely's drove by). Eating hotlink sandwiches from Bynum's store in the Laundromat next door. Hanging out at the #7 fire station. The fun we always had sitting on Mr. Elmore's oil truck watching cars on the highway and just talking. Riding our bikes. He was a fun and very funny guy. One of the funniest things he ever did was break the boredom and silence one evening as Nancy, Randy Knowles, Randy H. , Keith, Mike and I sat around outside. Hortman quoted a commercial. "Dull party, lively party, What's the difference? Soggy eggrolls" We laughed forever. I remember when I learned his first name was Leslie, I signed all my school papers Leslie Ann. I thought it was a great name. When he went into the Navy, I was lost and cried for weeks. When Bruce and I lived in Virginia, he would come stay at my house with baby Misty, once a week when Bruce had night duty, so we would not be alone. He insisted I give Misty a birthday cake for her first birthday, even though the only people that would be at the party was Bruce, Misty, Randy and myself. Randy is the one who informed me about Mike Haase's death. I had a private phone number and he convinced the operater that he was my brother. I loved him and always will. We grew up in a time and place that gave us a wonderful childhood. I cherish all those memories. My heart goes out to Chris, Buddy, Wayne and especially Jimmy. I love you guys. Very sorry I am unable to be at his service.
LeAnne Alford McFarland
