John R. Randolph III, USAF-MSGT-Retired – “SR 71 Blackbird Project”, 83 of Largo, Florida passed away at his residence with his family at his bedside in Largo, Florida on April 28,2022. He was was born on December 2, 1938 in Middletown, New York to the late John R. Randolph II and Helen (Vetosky) Randolph. On November 14, 1959 he married Marlene (Mutzi) in Otisville, New York. They shared 57 1/2 years together.
John is survived by his loving family: children Brenda Quick (Jack); Terry Randolph (Kathy); Steven Randolph (Cindy): Grandsons; Justin, Tyler, Joel, Korey and Kevin: brothers; Edward Randolph (Joan) and Richard (Diane); numerous nieces, nephews, Great Grandchildren and Great Great Grandchildren. He was preceded in death by his beloved wife, Marlene (Mutzi) and Daughter in Law, Cindy Randolph as well as his parents, John Randolph II and Helen Randolph.
MSGT Randolph III retired in 1976 from the United States Air Force after 20 plus years of service from Chanute AFB, Illinois as a Master/Superintendent Instructor for Aircraft Egress Systems specialization in the SR71 “BLACKBIRD” aircraft. His awards and decorations are United States Air Force Good Conduct medal/awarded 8 individual/separate times and the United States Air Force Longevity Medal for 20 individual /separate times; completed the Technical Writers Course and the Instructional Systems Development Course. He held a TOP SECRET security clearance.
After retirement he worked for Reynolds Metals Company and finally retiring from the City of St Petersburg Florida as the Director of Purchasing. John and his family traveled the world on different USAF assignments. His favorite hobby was collecting coins and stamps.
MSGT Randolph III proudest achievements was marring his beloved wife and raising his children as well as joining the United States Air Force and being selected for the GEMINI and the SR-71 “BLACKBIRD” projects as well as being assigned as a crew chief for the F86D “Super Saber” aircraft. He was proud of finally being recognized for his service during the Vietnam Conflict by attending the Honor Flight Program and attending the Honor Flight Program in Washington, DC.
MSGT Randolph III loved his life, family, God and country. He was very loving, modest and a humble man. He had a great sense of humor.
Thank you Steven for taking care of Dad for the remaining years of his life. Thank you to Suncoast Hospice for the outstanding care that was given.
His military service is scheduled 1:00 PM, for Wednesday, June 1, 2022 at the Bay Pines VA National Cemetery , 10000 Bay Pines Blvd., Bay Pines, Florida with the United States Force and the American Legion Post 273 Honors Guards officiating.
My dearly beloved Dad. I love you so very much. I’m so proud of all your achievements in the AF, which i was not aware of until after your passing. You were such a humble man & you always gave your all. I’ll miss our talks & especially your hugs. Joel is really going to miss you too. He loved his Papa. Until we meet again. Give Mom a hug from us & tell her we love & miss her to. RIP Love your daughter Brenda
There will be a Celebration of life at the American Legion Post 252 in Seminole,Fl following his military honors at 1pm June 1st at Bay Pines Memorial Grave site. Please message me if your coming so we have a count for food.
Please donate to
Suncoast Hospice
6770 102nd Ave. N. Pinellas Park, FL 33782
In lieu of flowers
There will be a Celebration of life at the American Legion Post 252 in Seminole,Fl following his military honors at 1pm June 1st at Bay Pines Memorial Grave site. Please message me if your coming so we have a count for food.
Please donate to
Suncoast Hospice
6770 102nd Ave. N. Pinellas Park, FL 33782
In lieu of flowers
Our deepest condolences Brenda and family, your dad was a great man, and thank you MSGT for your service, may God grant you your well earned peace.
To my father inlaw I new you as a strong
And dedicated man, to country and family.
I will miss the talks we had about some of your duty stations. I wish you God’s speed . Say hi to mom give a hug from us. We miss you and I love you I will see you when I get home. Thank you for your service.And you did for me.
Your son-in-law Jack.
The most humble, kindest, loving man I know, my hero, my Dad, John Randolph passed away Thursday April 28th. If you knew him you’d agree, if you hadn’t, I wish you could have. He is now with our Mother whom he loved dearly. To say we were blessed to have him as a father Is an understatement. He served his country for 20 years in the USAF, having worked on several projects to include NASA’s Gemini Project and the SR-71, he will be given full military honors for his final trip home. Dad, I will never be able to express how much I love you and how proud I am to call you my Dad. Give Mom a hug for me. I love you!❤️
Our thoughts & prayers are with the family during this difficult time. Barbara & Henry Nadig