The many lives of Randy Hairston.
People who knew Randy Hairston in one of his life interests may not have known anything about his other interests.
The multifaceted Forrest Randolph “Randy” Hairston, Sr. died on August 22 at age 84.
Randy was a self-made man. He was raised by a single mother who took his sister to a talent search event. It was there that Hollywood producers spotted Randy instead. The family packed up and moved to Hollywood. While in Hollywood, Randy was in acting school with Natalie Wood.
He played as a child actor in "Festival of Spring," "The Woman in White" and "Too Young to Know."
In each occupation that Randy worked, he made a major difference. He was an early owner of a Hardee’s franchise. He developed the drive-through concept. His family biscuit recipe was used to start the Hardee’s biscuit craze.
Randy served his country as a U.S. Marine. Semper Fi.
Randy "spotted" Lynda when he went to pay taxes in Madison County. She became his wife.
Upon retirement, Lynda had 55 years of service at Madison County. She served in the tax collector's office for 34 years as chief clerk and, starting in 2003, as the chairman of the Madison County Board of Registrars.
They had a beautiful and long love story and marriage.
Randy was a leader in Republican politics in Alabama. His sage political advice was sought by countless politicians to include Gov. Kay Ivey (they became close friends) and County Commission chair Dale Strong (now congressman). He served on the Alabama State Republican Executive Committee and the Madison County Republican Executive Committee for years until his health declined. He was Vice-Chairman of the county committee.
A resident of Owens Cross Roads, Randy was an active member of Owens Cross Roads Church of Christ.
Visitation will be at the Owens Cross Roads Church of Christ on Wednesday, August 27, from 10:00 a.m. until 12:00 p.m. Memorial service will begin at noon on the same day.
In lieu of flowers, please make donations to the Owens Cross Roads Church of Christ, 124 Eastwood Drive, Owens Cross Roads, AL 35763 or Rainbow Omega, 100 Hope Drive, Eastaboga, AL 36260
Jim ‘Zig’ Zeigler’s beat is the colorful and positive about Alabama -- her people, places, events, groups and prominent deaths. He is a former Alabama Public Service Commissioner and State Auditor. You can reach him for comments at [email protected].
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