Randy Steven Rhea

Randy Steven Rhea was born February 16th, 1954, to Jack Rhea and Barbara (Conlin) Werner in Casablanca, Morocco, Africa. He entered the gates of Heaven surrounded by his family on November 30th, 2024, in Norman, Oklahoma. He was 70 years old. During his childhood, Randy lived in several places due to his father’s service in the Air Force. He lived in Ohio, Montana, Texas, and Florida but Conway, Arkansas was always home. When he was older, his dad owned a boot store named the Boot Shack in Greenbriar right outside of Conway. Randy worked many hours at the Boot Shack and eventually, he and his brother, Daniel, took over the family business. Many memories were made at the Boot Shack. Randy graduated from Conway High School in 1973. It was during high school that he surrendered to preach at age 18. Randy attended Central Baptist College as a Bible major and studied under teachers that became mentors to him throughout his ministry. It was there at CBC that he met the love of his life, Jodi Swanson. Randy and Jodi married on June 20th, 1975. Jodi was the perfect ministry partner for Randy and ministered alongside him every step of the way. The fact that she could play the piano also came in handy. Together they raised three children, Staci, Shawn and Heather. Randy was a proud dad and family was everything to him. He enjoyed attending school activities and sporting events. He loved to hear them sing in church. But most importantly, he wanted them to know Jesus and serve Him. Randy truly loved watching his children grow into adulthood, start families of their own, and serve the Lord. His joy grew even more as he gained the title of Pop Pop to his five grandchildren. He loved his family immensely. Randy was called to pastor his first church, Unity Missionary Baptist Church in Wayne, Oklahoma, in 1979. He remained there until he returned home due to the sudden death of his father in 1982. He later pastored at Herman Missionary Baptist Church in Bono, Arkansas; Missionary Baptist Church in Lindsay, Oklahoma; and Eastern Gate Baptist Church in Wynnewood, Oklahoma. In 2001, Randy was called for a second time to pastor Unity Missionary Baptist Church and has been there until present day. Each church has brought many fond memories and a multitude of friendships. Randy was active in the Baptist Missionary Association in which he held various offices at the district and state level. Randy took a group to BMA youth camp every summer for decades. He also served as a camp trustee and the quiz master for 19 years. He loved to work on his quiz questions and encouraging young people to learn and enjoy the Word of God as much as he did. Being a minister was not a job title, it was what he did and how he lived. Randy faithfully served the Lord in ministry for 51 years. Randy was known for his cheerful spirit and encouraging words. He was never without humor and a funny story. He was larger than life in the gentlest way. He loved to fellowship with his friends and church family. Randy’s ultimate desire on this earth was to tell others about Jesus. He saw every encounter as an opportunity to show God’s love. He impacted so many lives and his absence will be felt greatly. While we are heartbroken that he had to leave us, we rejoice in the fact that he is now experiencing everything he preached about, and we will see him again soon. He was welcomed into heaven by: his grandmother Velma Rhea (Mama Rhea), his parents Jack Rhea and Barbara Werner, his mother-in-law Joyce Swanson, and many other beloved family members and friends that went on before him. Left to cherish Randy’s memory: his loving wife of 49 years and 5 months, Jodi of the home; children, Staci McFarland and Ryan, Shawn Rhea and Sarah, Heather Krausse and Brian, all of Norman; his five grandchildren, Ethan, Elliot, Emery, Marlie and Quade; Brother, Daniel Rhea and GiGi of Racine, WI; sisters, Sandra Foster, Paula Felmly and Kim Platten, all of Canton, OH; father-in-law, Gerald Swanson of Norman; nieces and nephews; cousins; his Unity church family and a host of other family and friends that he loved so dearly. Visitation will be Wednesday, December 4th, 4:00 P.M. to 6:30 P.M. at Wilson-Little Funeral Home in Purcell, Oklahoma. Funeral Services are scheduled for 2:00 P.M. Thursday, December 5, 2024, at Wilson-Little Funeral Home. Burial will follow at the Hillside Cemetery in Purcell.

Randy Steven Rhea

February 16, 1954 - November 30, 2024