Heaven gained another boisterous angel when William “Bill” Wells Randolph Jr. floated away on August 10, 2024, after a short illness. Bill Jr. was born to Bill and Rose Trainer Randolph in London, England on October 30, 1944, one day shy of Halloween, their first wedding anniversary. Bill married Becky Meler in Houston on July 22, 1977. Bill attended Stephen F. Austin (even though by heart he is really an Aggie) before joining the U.S. Army and serving in Vietnam as part of the Big Red One in a tank battalion. Bill spent most of his adult life in construction sales of some sort.

Bill was an avid hunter and fisherman until age and illness took their toll. He spent many years at Surfside Beach or the San Luis Pass and later at Chinquapin. Fall was always spent in either South Texas, the Hill Country or Central Texas. Bill mentored his nephews and Richie Jenkins, his almost son, on the art of outdoor recreation.

Bill was preceded into heaven by his parents, and only son, William “Randy” Wells Randolph III.

Bill is survived by his wife of 47 years, Becky Meler; grandson; Cory Payne; sisters Sharron (Jerry) Shockley and Becky Yerkes; sisters-in-law Arla Mitchell and Beth (Danny) O’Neal; nieces, Christi (Adam) Stout, Hannah O’Neal, Naomi (Clyde) Hewitt; nephews, Chris (Courtney) Yerkes, Luke O’Neal, Jake (Laura) O’Neal, Jarad (Nicole) Mitchell, Aaron (Chelsea) O’Neal, Caleb (Ashley) O’Neal and Chase (Carie) Yerkes; as well as 18 great nieces and nephews.

A celebration of Bill’s life will be held Saturday, September 14 at 1 p.m. at the Onalaska Senior Citizens Center. George Floyd will officiate.