Randolph McLeod, United States Army Veteran

Randolph McLeod, Mac to family and friends, was born May 2, 1940 in Sanford, North Carolina. He passed away on April 14, 2011 in Temple, Texas at the age of 70.

Mac proudly served his country in the United States Army for seventeen years, achieving the rank of E-5. He then worked as a Correctional Officer for Texas Department of Criminal Justice.

Interment services with military honors were held on April 22, 2011 at the Central Texas State Veterans Cemetery at Killeen, Texas. In attendance were the Patriot Guard Riders who formed a line of American flags around the committal shelter during the service.

The Army Honor Guard folded the American flag that draped the coffin into the traditional triangle and ceremoniously passed it to an Army Staff Sergeant. The Army bugler played taps, and the flag was solemnly presented to Etta, Mac’s wife of forty years, on behalf of the President of the United States of America, the United States Army and a grateful nation in thanks for his many years of dedicated service.

Pastor Roscoe Harrison, Jr., then said the final prayers and read:

"Forasmuch as it hath pleased Almighty God of his great mercy to take unto himself the soul of our dear brother here departed, we therefore commit his body to the ground; earth to earth, ashes to ashes, dust to dust; in sure and certain hope of the Resurrection to eternal life, through our Lord Jesus Christ; who shall change our vile body, that it may be like unto his glorious body, according to the might working, whereby he is able to subdue all things to himself."

The service concluded with the pall bearers placing red roses on the coffin.

Randolph McLeod was then laid to rest on the grassy plain of the cemetery as the American flag flew at half-staff on the hill above.

Left to cherish his memory are his wife, three sons, one daughter, seven grandchildren, eight great-grandchildren, and a host of other relatives and friends.

“A Prayer for Dad”

Lord, Shepherd my dad today

In green pastures let him lay

To still waters guide his way

Restoreth his soul, I pray.

Lead him in the paths of right

Through the valley give him light

When he’s afraid ease his fright.

Prepare a table of spoil

Annointest his head with oil

Give to him a cup that’s royal

Let goodness follow his toil.

And thy mercy cease never

May he dwell in Thy house forever

This I ask in Jesus’ name, Amen.

With thanks to Branford/Dawson Funeral Home for biographical information.