Bernard P. Randolph

General Bernard Peter “Randy” Randolph (ret.) passed away in San Antonio, TX in the early morning Monday, January 4, 2021 due to complications from COVID-19. Randy had a long-distinguished career in the United States Air Force serving his country for 35 years. His career choice matched his passion for airplanes. He retired as Commander, Air Force Systems Command, Andrews Air Force Base, MD.

Randy was born in 1933, in New Orleans. He received a Bachelor of Science degree in chemistry from Xavier University of Louisiana in 1954. He earned Bachelor (magna cum laude) and Master of Science degrees in electrical engineering from the University of North Dakota through the Air Force Institute of Technology program in 1964 and 1965, respectively. He completed Squadron Officer School in 1959, and Air Command and Staff College as a distinguished graduate in 1969, concurrently earning a master’s degree in business administration from Auburn University. He was a distinguished graduate of the Air War College in 1974.

His first assignment after completing aviation cadet training at Ellington Air Force Base, Texas, and Mather Air Force Base, Calif., was with the Strategic Air Command at Lincoln Air force Base, Neb., from June 1956 to June 1962. He instructed and evaluated KC-97 and B-47 flight crews and was a member of a select crew.

He was then assigned to Los Angeles Air Force Station, Calif., as chief, on-orbit operations, Space Systems Division. He next was assigned as assistant deputy program director for launch and orbital operations and was responsible for all payload operations.

He then was assigned to the Republic of Vietnam as an airlift operations officer at Chu Lai and airlift coordinator at Tan Son Nhut Air Base. He was responsible for the total operation of about 50 C-7 and C-123 airlift sorties daily from Chu Lai and later coordinated the operations of all airlift control elements throughout the Republic of Vietnam.

Upon his return to the United States in November 1970, Randy was assigned to Air Force Systems Command headquarters as chief of command plans in test evaluation, and then as the executive officer to the deputy chief of staff for operations.

His next assignment was director, space systems planning, for the Space and Missile Systems Organization. In April 1975 he became deputy program director and, later program director for the Air Force Satellite Communications System. He assumed responsibility for space defense systems at Space Division headquarters, Los Angeles Air Force Station, in March 1978. In this capacity he managed a program to design and develop the U.S. anti-satellite system with its supporting surveillance, command and control, and survivability aspects.

From July 1980 to September 1981 he served as vice commander of Warner Robins Air Logistics Center, Robins Air Force Base, GA. He then became director of space systems and command, control and communications, Office of the Deputy Chief of Staff, Research, Development and Acquisition, Headquarters U. S. Air Force, Washington, D.C. Randy returned again to Los Angeles Air Force Station as vice commander and deputy commander for space systems acquisition for Space Division in May 1983. In June 1984 he became vice commander of Air Force Systems Command. He returned to Air Force headquarters in May 1985 and served as deputy chief of staff for research, development and acquisition.

He was promoted to General August 1, 1987, becoming the second Black four-star general officer in the United States Air Force.

Randy retired February 1990 and began a civilian career at TRW/ Northrop Grumman in Redondo Beach, California on May 15, 1990 as Vice President, Requirements Analysis. He retired from TRW/Northrop Grumman October 31, 1995.

His loving spouse, Lucille, with whom he celebrated 50 years of marriage, and his daughter Julie, preceded him in death. All who knew them recognized that Lucille was truly the “wind beneath his wings."

Randy is survived by five children and their spouses: Michelle (Michael) Blumberg, Michael (Jayne) Randolph, John (Barbara) Randolph, Liane Randolph (Christopher Kelley), and Mark (Heather) Randolph; Grandchildren Micah Blumberg, Mercy (Dennis Cummings) Blumberg, Melody (Oliver) Osuna, Calvin Randolph, Malcolm Randolph, Sara Randolph Paige (Jionni), Alex (Jessica) Randolph, Camille Randolph, Elyse Randolph, Seth Kelley, Jack Kelley; great grandchildren Cassie Cummings, Blake Cummings and Ellie Osuna. He is also survived by his sisters Beverly ( J.E. ) Henry and Iris (Ronald) Prevost and his Brother-in-laws Lloyd Robinson, Walter (Brenda) Robinson, Donald (Kate), and sister-in-law Ann (Donald) Joseph and nieces, nephews and many other family members.

Services are pending due to the COVID-19 pandemic. Memorial donations may be made to Xavier University of Louisiana, New Orleans, LA

He is also survived by his sisters Beverly ( J.E. ) Henry and Iris (Ronald) Prevost and his Brother-in-laws Lloyd Robinson, Walter (Brenda) Robinson, Donald (Kate), and sister-in-law Ann (Donald) Joseph and nieces, nephews and many other family members.

Luyben Dilday Mortuary (562) 425-6401