Randy Francis
Obituary
Randy Francis, 68, of Tulsa, Oklahoma, passed away at his home on February 11, 2024. He was born on August 10, 1955, to Joe Francis and Sue Wingfield Francis in Tulsa.
During Randy’s colorful life, he made lots of good friends who shared adventures and antics; some are occasionally recounted even today. Those special relationships and good times made for a lively life path that he enjoyed throughout.
After graduating from Edison High School in 1973, Randy attended Oklahoma University for 3 semesters. His next semester was completed on a student ship, S.S. Universe Campus, as it circumnavigated the world in the Spring of 1975. When at sea, Randy took colleges courses; when in the dozen ports, he explored parts of Africa, India and the Far East. From his glimpses in these diverse cultures, he gained new perspective of the world outside of Oklahoma. After disembarking from the ship in Los Angeles, Randy took an impulsive side-trip up the coast to San Francisco. As a result, he earned an undergraduate degree from the University of San Francisco in 1977.
Upon returning to his hometown, Randy set about following in the footsteps of his father and grandfather before him to study law. He finished a degree from the University of Tulsa College of Law in May 1982; he became a member of the Oklahoma Bar in May 1983. He practiced law initially in his father’s firm: Francis & Francis.
During his Semester at Sea, Randy met a fellow student traveler, Martha (Marty) Machledt. Ten years later - almost to the date of their departure - they married, on February 2, 1985. Of that marriage, two sons were born: Barrett and Nicholas Francis.
To his sons’ delight, their dad played nightly rounds of “rough-rough” rolling on the floor with Barrett and Nick until all were breathless and laughing. Around the dinner table at home, they frequently discussed activities and exchanged ideas. Randy encouraged them in their education, and didn’t miss a Jenks youth football game when either son took the field - ever! During their youth, Randy taught his boys important life skills, including but not limited to, riding bikes and dirt bikes, driving boats and cars, the use of tools to fix and create things, how to swim, ski lakes and mountains, and similar useful knowledge. Together, they enjoyed endless weekends with family and good friends at Grand Lake, never tiring of Duck Creek, Dripping Springs, long holiday weekends, in their trusty old boat, the Albatross.
It is with great sadness to many that Randy’s exuberant and full life has come to an end. “Randy” stories will no doubt be told at the Celebration of Life 3:00 P.M. Friday, February 23 at Ninde Brookside Chapel.
Events
Tributes & Memories
I am sorry for your loss , Randy was a great guy he was a friend from Jr High school and High school . We played football together in Jr high , rode motorcycles together and taking several of us for a ride in his brand new Z28, I tried reaching out to him recently and was tempted to call but I’m sorry to say i didn’t. He will be missed.
Dave Edwards
What I'll remember the most about being around Randy is the laughter. He was a very good friend and a great guy. I'll miss our late night phone conversations that would inevitably conjure up humorous memories of the many antics of our misspent youth,followed by much laughter. Thanks for the laughs,Randy. I'll miss you, old fiend. - Jeff Allen.
Jeffrey allen
Dear Mary,Please accept our most heartfelt sympathies for your loss... With these trees Randy's memory will continue making a better world for all
Your Tennis friends
My mom went to law school with Randy and Marty so I would get to go and hang at their house quite a bit when I was in elementary school. I remember Randy was so much fun and he always made me laugh. He had a little clay figure, Mr. Bill (from Saturday Night Live), that had little shock wires hooked up to him and somehow, Randy always convinced me that I should go ahead and touch those little shock wires - that it wouldn't hurt. And for some reason, I always did! It always made Randy laugh and it was so fun (even though those wires did have a bit of a sting to them). Haha. I am glad I ran into Randy a couple of times over the past year and had a chance to catch up a little.
Cara Wells
Jim and I loved Randy. It’s difficult for us to accept he is not with us anymore. Jim introduced me to Randy 44 years ago. The first time I met Randy he accepted me as his best friend’s girlfriend and then he was Jim’s best man at our wedding. When we started our families we would spend special occasions together. Randy was always so welcoming and generous, offering for us to to join he and his family at the lake on many occasions, Easter egg hunts at “the big house” on Lewis, Christmas gift exchanges and more. When Jim was recently diagnosed with esophagus cancer, Randy called everyday to let Jim know he was praying for his complete healing. We had no idea Randy’s body was fighting a cancer at the same time. Randy was taken from us too soon. The bond between Jim and Randy was never to be broken. We are profoundly saddened by Randy’s passing. We will be eternally grateful for Randy’s friendship. Rest in peace Randy, we love you, Jim and Heidi McAnulty
Jim & Heidi McAnulty
I spent many of my best years of my life with Randy in Jr. High, High School, going around the world on Senester at Sea, college in San Francisco and Law School and after...during those incredibly adventurous years he was my best friend...our purpose in life was to laugh as much as possible...and we did just that...just ask Marty and Jim. With life's joys also comes great sadness...see ya on the other side my friend! Jeff Reeds
Jeff Reeds