John "Randy" Herndon's Obituary
John Randall Herndon, “Randy,” passed away in his home on August 20, 2023. He had just celebrated his 70th birthday, being born on July 20,1953. He grew up in Florida, and after high school attended the Florida School of Preaching. He had been blind since birth, but lived his life determined to be an independent, contributing citizen. He transferred to Freed- Hardeman College in Henderson, Tennessee where he earned a Bachelor’s degree in biblical studies. He then moved to Memphis and earned his master’s degree in counseling from the Harding Graduate School of Religion. After graduate school, Randy made Memphis his home. Both of Randy’s parents proceeded him in death, but he acquired a new family in Memphis made up of college, church, and business friends who all shared life with him.
Randy lived with friends after he attended the graduate school, and eventually purchased his condominium after becoming a manager with The Tennessee Business Enterprises program for individuals who are visually impaired and blind. Randy was self-employed and his business, Herndon Vending, served the Memphis Juvenile Court and Regional One for many years. He was an active member of the Tennessee Alliance for the Blind, attending conventions, and preparing and mailing the Alliance’s newsletter for many years. He spent his time at home listening to books, music, television programs, and radio programs. He enjoyed listening to many different radio stations, especially out of Florida, and he liked talk radio.
Randy enjoyed lots of family time in the homes of his friends over the years, watching their children grow and taking trips. He always voted in city and state elections, and he liked to fill out surveys. He had volumes of braille material, including his Bible, and he used his Perkins Braille for making notes and labels to organize products that he sold. He never had a dog, but he was beloved by many of his friends’ pets as he visited in their homes! Several times he accompanied a friend to elementary schools and read Braille picture books to the students.
Randy had an amazing spirit and was always interested in how things worked. He maintained his vending machines and made repairs, and wasn’t afraid to tackle projects. We have all been blessed knowing him, and we miss him, but we delight in knowing he can see now and is healthy and well in eternity with God in heaven. He attended Hope Church while living in Memphis.
Memorial services for Randy will be held on September 15, 2023 at Memorial Park Memphis on Poplar Avenue. Visitation will be from 10:00 a.m. -11:00 a.m. and the service will begin at 11:00 a.m.
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