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Randall Brack Tunnell, lovingly known as Randy and affectionately called “Grandy,” passed away unexpectedly in his home on January 11, 2026, at the age of 68, at his home in Clovis, California. Randy was born on February 9, 1957, in Dinuba, California, and grew up in Orosi, where he graduated from Orosi High School. Over the course of his life, he called many places home, including Dinuba, CA; Santa Maria, CA; Shell Knob, MO; Sebastopol, CA; and, most recently, Clovis, CA, where he moved in September 2025 to be closer to his daughter and grandchildren—a move that brought him great joy and comfort. Randy worked as a Produce Broker until a herniated disc ended his career in the early 1990s. While this change was difficult, it opened the door to a variety of meaningful experiences and jobs that allowed him to work alongside people he deeply valued. He worked in construction with his lifelong friend Don Agnew, painted with Pete Rojas, and later enjoyed selling stone fruit at farmers markets throughout Southern California with Andrew Garcia. One of the roles he cherished most was being a full-time nanny to his granddaughter Keighly, caring for her from just two months old until her first birthday. From 2014 to 2018, Randy also devoted himself to caring for his mother until her dementia required professional medical care, demonstrating his deep sense of loyalty and compassion. Though he did not serve in the military, in 1980 Randy experienced a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity when he and his band, White Ash, were selected for a two-month USO tour. They entertained troops stationed in Korea, Japan, Guam, the Philippines, Diego Garcia, Johnston Atoll, and aboard the USS Midway Aircraft Carrier, as well as several smaller ships in the Indian Ocean. He loved sharing the thrilling story of being lowered by harness from a helicopter onto the deck of a moving ship, a memory he carried with pride and excitement. Randy was known for his infectious sense of humor and his natural ability to make friends wherever he went. Despite his lifelong struggle with bipolar depression, he was often the life of the party, bringing laughter, music, and energy to any gathering. He was a great listener, a loyal friend, and someone people felt comfortable opening up to. Music was Randy’s greatest passion. Inspired by listening to his older brother’s record collection, he began playing the drums in high school and went on to play in two bands over several decades. He loved live music and concerts, attending concerts with his wife and sharing memorable experiences with his daughter at shows by The Doobie Brothers, Los Lobos, AC/DC, Willie Nelson, and the Eagles. Randy was deeply creative and played an influential role in nurturing his daughter’s love for art and crafting. A lifelong sports enthusiast, Randy played football, basketball, and baseball throughout high school and continued playing basketball at the Visalia YMCA through the 1980s. Randy also had a love for golf, spending many happy hours playing at Sherwood Forest Golf Course, where his parents lived along the grounds. It was a place filled with familiar faces, fond memories, and time well spent doing something he truly enjoyed. He proudly coached his daughter’s softball teams, from T-ball through travel ball, always her biggest supporter and most devoted fan. In recent years, he found immense joy watching his grandchildren compete in their own sporting events. Randy and his wife Janet shared a connection that spanned more than 40 years. They reconnected in 2017. In 2019, they chose to be “Un-Married” in a heartfelt commitment ceremony that reflected their unique bond, before officially marrying in 2025. Randy deeply enjoyed their life together in Sonoma County, where they shared laughter, companionship, and many adventures traveling in their RV, embracing the freedom of the open road. Randy is survived by his wife, Janet; his daughter, Tullea (Jake) Bussey; his beloved grandchildren, Keighly and Conner Bussey; his former wife and mother of Tullea, Ruth (Mike) Mason; stepdaughter Caitlyn (Bjorn) Beaton and their child, Mack; stepson Mason Smith and his children; stepchild Eloira Smith, who considered Randy to be the best father figure they ever had; his chosen family member Richard Mills; and many loving nephews, nieces, friends, and extended family. He was preceded in death by his father, William “Bill” Tunnell; his mother, Alice “Becky” Tunnell; and his brother, Jim Tunnell. Randy will be deeply missed and forever remembered. He holds a special and lasting place in the hearts of all who knew and loved him. A special memorial celebration of life will be held for Randy at Pine Flat Lake when the weather is warmer, sometime in mid-May or June. Family and friends will gather to honor his life, share stories, and celebrate the music, laughter, creativity, and love he brought into the world. Details will be shared at a later date.

Tributes

Randall Brack Tunnell

February 9, 1957 - January 11, 2026