Obituaries

On August 21, 2026, Lank Randolph “Randy” Brown, Jr., 59, clocked out for the last time and strolled through the Pearly Gates exactly the way we’d all expect—with a Monster in one hand and a pack of Marlboro Reds in the other.

Born and raised in Guinea Va, Randy spent many years as a commercial waterman, making an honest living on the water he loved. It wasn’t always easy work, but it suited him perfectly—hard work, early mornings, rough weather, and plenty of stories to tell afterward. If you knew Randy, you knew he never met a stranger. He collected friends the way some people collect souvenirs, and every one of them probably has at least one story that starts with, “You’ll never believe what Randy did…”

He was a world-class prankster, an expert smart aleck, and the kind of man who would laugh until he cried—especially if you were the punchline. But beneath all the jokes and colorful language was a man with an enormous heart. If you needed help, Randy was there. If you were down on your luck, he’d give you the shirt off his back without a second thought. He loved fiercely, lived loudly, and never pretended to be anything other than exactly who he was.

Randy was preceded in death by his parents, Linda Lee Heywood Coates and Lank Brown, Sr.; his beloved grandparents, Edna Setterholm Heywood and Stanley Heywood, Sr.; his uncle, Stanley Heywood, Jr; mother-in-law, Cecil Crumpler, and, also waiting for him to return to their shenanigans, his chosen brother Christopher Hoell.

He is survived by wife of twenty years (and dear friend for far longer), Becky Brown; second father, Oscar Coates, Jr; Aunt Carolyn Heywood and cousins, Eric, Wayne, and Brandy Heywood. He also leaves behind his little sister, Kandy Grenier (Robert) and niece, Harley Grenier (Jacob); his baby brother, Don Coates (Jenny) and nephews Caleb and Dawson Coates; father-in-law, Bobby Crumpler; as well as numerous friends, family, and friends who became family.

Left behind to carry on his stories, his sarcasm, and his unmatched ability to make everyone laugh are his children: Amber Seitz (David) and grandsons Brett Brown and Tanner Jenkins; Katrina Turbyfill (Cullen) and grandchildren Declan, Rowan, Teagan, and Morrigan Turbyfill; Jesse Brown; Kristen Hall (Robert) and granddaughter Leah Chappell; and Shawn Jenkins (Brittany) and granddaughters Kaylee and Cassidy Jenkins.

And, because Randy would never forgive us if we forgot to mention him, he is also survived by his undisputed favorite child—his loyal four-legged son, Blue.

He taught us that life is too short to stay mad, too precious not to laugh, and too unpredictable not to make memories worth telling.

In true Randy fashion, he would probably hate us for making such a fuss over him. He’d tell everyone to quit crying and crack a joke to lighten the mood

So, in lieu of flowers, honor Randy the only way that makes sense: Live like Randy.

Play a harmless prank that might get you into just enough trouble to make a good story. Flip someone the bird (or better yet, two) with a grin they’ll never forget. Give the shirt off your back to someone who needs it more than you do. Laugh until your stomach hurts. Love your people fiercely. Be the friend everyone can count on.

We’ll miss your laugh, your stubbornness, your stories, your mischief, and your heart more than words can ever say.

And while he always believed he was burning up a highway to Hell, the ones who love him most know that he is sitting in a special place in Heaven.

A Celebration of Life to be held at a later date.