Randall (Randy) Parker Raper

Get the dominoes ready! Complications from a stroke took Randy to his seat in a never-ending game of 42 on May 21, 2022. Per Randy’s instructions, there will be a visitation at Lake Shore Funeral Home on May 28, 2022 from 12:00-2:00. He will be laid to rest next to his beloved wife Debbie in a private family ceremony at Waco Memorial Park.

Randy was the middle brother between two sisters (all one year apart!) born to Maude Justice Raper and Ralph Raper on February 6, 1952. Growing up on So. 3^rd St., Randy attended Gurley Elementary and South Junior before graduating from University High in 1970. He cherished his lifelong friendships and memories from that time.

While working for Scott Williams Drywall, Randy perfected his talent for mudwork and textures. This led to the self-title “The King” and allowed him to build his own successful drywall company, ProWall. A strong work ethic and pride in a job well done produced work that can be seen in churches, restaurants, and some of the finest homes in the Waco area.

On February 6, 1973 Randy was lucky enough to marry Debbie Gunn. Debbie’s tolerance and love anchored Randy. He never really recovered from her death in 2018, after 45 years of marriage.

Passionate about the Dallas Cowboys, he would quote statistics and strategy ad nauseum and was a fanatic until the day he died. He enjoyed league bowling (a 600 series, 550 series, and several 200 games), and was an avid domino and card player. If you happened to be his partner at 42, Spades, or regular dominoes, your ears got blistered if you made the wrong play! “You’re killing me!” Randy was a master at solving New York Times crossword puzzles, and was so confident in his ability that he would complete them in ink every single time.

Our brother was one of a kind. Randy was a fierce individualist with zero tolerance for arrogance, pretention, and hypocrisy. He had a keen wit and an impressive command of language. His profanity-laced commentaries and sarcastic, snarky one liners will live on in family legend. We never knew what was coming: hilarious entertainment, cringing embarrassment, sidesplitting stories, or amazement at his astute statements.

Randy was unapologetically Randy. He did not change himself to fit in or to suit what others thought was acceptable. We loved him and our lives will be quite dull now. He used to say, “People either ‘get’ me or they don’t.”, but we certainly ‘got’ you, Randy. Despite some detours he may have taken on his life’s journey, he was quick to acknowledge his mistakes.

Waiting for him “to disturb their chi” are his dear wife Debbie, parents, nephew Brian Raper, brother Charles Raper, several cousins, and many dear friends. Left behind to tell his stories are Nada Raper, Nanci and Mickey Williams, Kay and Don Scalf, Sharon Gunn Dean, Travis and Denise Gunn, nieces, nephews, loving cousins, and a host of friends.

Randy’s sisters would like to express gratitude to the staff at Compassus Hospice Care for their loving and compassionate care of Randy. Kara, Brad, Kim, Melanie, Jackie, Tawanna, April, and Julie…you kept our heads above water. Bless you all. Being with Randy on this final journey has been a privilege and a blessing. The support from Mickey, Harlan, Mr. Steve, Tony, Kyla, and Randi allowed us to concentrate fully on our brother. We also want to send a special thank you to Justin. Your gentleness with Randy comforted us all.

Pallbearers will be Mickey Williams, Justin Williams, Ben Williams, and John Connor, Travis Gunn and Mogey Gunn.

Honorary pallbearers are Tom Cline, Grayson Gifford, Paul Stahl, Patsy Walsh, Rodney Howard, Kathy Wiese, and Weston Williams.

In lieu of flowers, consider donating to Humane Society of Central Texas or your favorite charity.

Place of Service: ,