RReflections L eflections of
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Theautry “Tot” Randolph
transitioned on Saturday, October 21, 2017. He was born July 1, 1933, in Memphis, Tennessee to the late Horatio Randolph and Naomi Ruth Burnett Randolph. At an early age, he united with the New Era Baptist Church, where he sang in the Junior Choir. Tot was a student of the legacy 1-12 years at Melrose High School graduating in 1951. He was a member of the marching band, Hi-Y, Senior Choral Group, and Boys Octet. After graduation from Melrose, he earned the Bachelor and Masters degrees from Tennessee State University at Nashville in Music Education. His career journey began as a band director at Bransford, Jo Byrns and Springfield High Schools in the Nashville Metro area. “Tot” was an accomplished saxophonist who showcased his musical talents as the leader of the TOT Randolph and the All Stars and the TOT Randolph Trio. His groups were the main attractions at the Hearth, Gallatin Road North. Later, Tot returned to Memphis and began singing and playing with the Blues Alley All-Stars while also teaching students in the ORFF music program of Memphis City Schools. Tot was preceded in death by his parents. He is survived by his devoted sister, Jacqueline Randolph, cousins, Dorothy Wright of Memphis, Oswald Randolph (Tina), Leona Randolph and Geraldine Randolph of California, Kimberly WrightJones (Marcus), Michael Todd Swift (Angela), Elizabeth Stevens (Martavious), Sonja Randolph, Phillip A. Randolph and family, and a special cousin, Coleman Thompson, other relatives and friends are left to cherish the memories of the melodies he played.
The Celebration of Life Tuesday, October 24, 2017 11:00 A.M.
Calvary Cemetery & Mausoleum
C
1663 Elvis Presley Blvd. Memphis, Tennessee 38106
herished Memories
Processional................................Clergy and Family Scriptures & Prayer................Bro. Michael Rice, Sr. Song.........................................Sis. Aleta Wadlington Words of Encouragement..........Bro. Reuben Barnes Eulogy & Committal.........Reverend Sampson Townsend, Jr. Benediction Recessional
“Each Life Is a Song� A life is a song We write in our Own tone and key. Each life we touch Reflects a note That forms the melody. We choose the theme and Chorus of the song To bear our name, and Each will have a Special sound, no two Can be the same. So when someone We love departs. In memory, we find their Song plays on Within the hearts Of those they Leave behind.
~Acknowledgements ~
Theautry “Tot” Randolph
The family of the late wishes to thank the many friends and relatives for their expressions of kindness and prayers during the illness and passing of our loved one. At a later date, we will thank you in a more personal way.
The family requests that any memorials be made in Theautry “Tot” Randolph’s name to: Stax Music Academy 926 McLemore Avenue Memphis, Tennessee 38106. Online condolences may be made to the family at www.harrisonsfuneralhomeinc.com
A quote of “Tot’s
“I like to entertain people. That keeps me going. You can be a musician and not be an entertainer. I’m trying to move the people and be an all-around entertainer. Some people just play for themselves. I play for the people.” The Downtowner March 1991 “If Beale Street Could Talk”
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