Joe Edward "Bud" Randolph

Joe Edward “Bud” Randolph was born on April 5, 1947, in Gainesville, Georgia, to the late James Hoyt and Nancy McDowell Randolph. Known from childhood as “Bug Fuzz” for his thick hair and later simply as “Bud,” he graduated from E. E. Butler High School in 1965. In 1966 he entered the United States Army, where he was named Soldier of the Month for the 16th Aviation Battalion and received an honorable discharge in 1972.

After his active-duty service, Joe earned a certificate in automotive mechanics from Lanier Technical College and used those skills to help support his family while working various jobs. In 1976 he joined the U.S. Army Reserve, serving with the 802nd Infantry Division. He rose from Specialist Five to Staff Sergeant and retired in 1997 as an E-7 Sergeant First Class after twenty-five years of dedicated service. While employed with the Department of Transportation, he obtained his Master Barber’s License and in 1991 opened Randolph’s Barber Shop, fulfilling his longtime dream of business ownership.

A humble and community-minded man, Joe used his barbershop as a place of teaching and mentorship. He trained and encouraged many young men who aspired to become barbers, emphasizing the importance of building a brand, consistency, and putting customers first. Honored during Black History Month for his business ethics and leadership, he mentored generations, created jobs, and became a respected staple in the community. He took quiet pride in hearing from former patrons about the positive influence he had on their lives. His legacy endures through the barbers who continue working in his shop and those who have gone on to open their own establishments.

Joe was a longtime member of First Baptist Church and also attended Rucker Memorial Church, Iglesia del Dios Vivo International, and Antioch Baptist Church. He was preceded in death by his parents, brother Jimmy L. Randolph, sister Julia Ethridge Randolph, daughter Shannon J. Ali, and son-in-law Terrence W. Holeman. He is survived by his wife, Deidra S. Randolph; daughters Joy N. Holeman and Aya Lewis; sons Joe E. (Dacia) Randolph II and Bredron Lytle; son-in-law Bilal Ali; father-in-law Tom B. Lewis; brother-in-law Michael E. Lewis; sisters-in-law Martha Randolph, Andrea (Terry) Morrow, and Jonsita Lewis; fourteen grandchildren; four great-grandchildren; several nieces, nephews, and cousins; and dear friends Lucious Buffington, Robert and Margaret Finch, and many others.