Danny C. Randolph

Danny Clyde Randolph, 81, of Leroy Texas, passed away peacefully on November 22, 2022 in Waco, Texas.  Danny was born December 25, 1940, in Texarkana, Arkansas to parents, Ned Floyd Randolph and Norene Elizabeth Randolph. Danny was preceded in death by his parents.

Danny is survived by his wife of 57 years, Darlene J. Randolph of Leroy, Texas; sister, Stella Joyce Williamson and Stella’s husband George Williamson; sister, Dianna Lynn Walker; brother, Roy Neal Randolph and wife, Gail Randolph of Tomball, Texas; nephews and nieces, Gary Glen Williamson, Wesley Todd Williamson, Brian Doak Walker, Stephanie Cheri Crain, Christopher Neal Randolph, Joseph Craig Randolph, as well as many great-nephews and great-nieces.

Danny was the oldest of four siblings who all maintained a close relationship throughout the years.  With no children of their own, their nieces and nephews looked forward to the days when they could go to their Uncle Danny and Aunt Darlene’s house. They made it fun for them in every way.

He was a “gift” to all who knew and loved him.

That gift of knowledge and love of family and friends was shared his entire life with those who were fortunate to know him.

After graduating from La Vega High School in Bellmead, Texas, Danny followed in his father’s footsteps with his summer part-time job which turned into a 43 year career with M. Lipsitz and Company.  He was the site manager of the Lipsitz Recycling Center where he assembled and maintained the massive shredder machinery that is still in operation today. His father, Ned Randolph, was also a career Lipsitz employee.  Because of this, the Lipsitz family holds a special place in our hearts.

Danny had a love for car racing. There is a lot to be said about him when it comes to racing.  He was honored in 2011 by being inducted into the Heart of Texas Racetrack Wall of Fame.

In Danny’s younger years, he began racing go-karts at the Waco airport kart track.  He started driving and racing stock cars in 1961 in a 1949 Ford he built with his life-long friend, Joe Smith.  In 1964, he started a ten-year stint driving Elmer Sheppard’s No.41 “Sawdust Special”.  We will never forget Danny’s infamous 53 Jr, the blue stock car that was synonymous with his racing career.

He raced and won at the original Heart of Texas Speedway in Lincoln City as well as Waco, Temple and Belton Speedways, as well as speedways across the state of Texas.    His driving career included being behind the wheel of sprint cars from 1970 to 1974.   Having retired from racing in 1974, Danny was regarded by the track officials and by his peers as one of the best sportsman in the history of the speedway.

Because of his love for travel and adventure, he and his friend Richard Peck found themselves working in a Colorado silver mine in the summer of 1961.

Never hesitating to tap into his adventurous spirit, Danny went on to acquire his private pilots license.  When it came to adventure or travel there was little he would not try his hand at or any place he would not go if he were able to.

Among his other accomplishments, Danny served the community of Leroy for over 20 years with the volunteer fire department, 12 of those years as fire chief.  Being the master mechanic he was, he enjoyed helping the Leroy Fire Department rebuild their firetruck.  He also served on the Leroy Water Board for 25 years.

The love of our country was instilled within Danny’s heart. He had an undeniable bond with the freedoms and independence with the land where he was born. Being a true Patriot, Danny was proud to be a member of the McLennan County Republican Party for several years.  So proud that he also joined and worked with the McLennan County Republican Women’s Club as well. Through these organizations he made many beloved friends…beloved patriots such as himself.  God, Family, Country was his true belief which will continue through those who serve this country. As Danny would say, ‘God Bless America, land that I love.’