Robert W. Randall

Robert W. “Bob” Randall (86), a man of deep faith, died peacefully at home on Saturday, February 1, 2025, held close by his devoted wife, while listening to the words of Psalm 23. Bob was known by all to be devoted to family, an astute businessman, and a tireless advocate for his community. The warmth of Bob’s big heart and fun sense of humor overflowed to all those around him. His family fervently believes that goodness and mercy followed him all the days of his life, and he is now dwelling in the house of the Lord. 

A lifelong faithful servant of Christ, Bob generously gave his time and talents to serve the Lord and the church community. He was an integral member and Finance Chairman of the Danville First Church of the Nazarene. Earlier, he served for many years as a Trustee on the Central Christian Church Board of Directors, and most recently, a member of the Chicago Central District Church Properties Board for Olivet University. 

Family was where Bob found worldly sustenance and contentment, and to those he loved, he steadfastly expressed his abiding love, support, and pride. The values he instilled and the love he shared with family live on in the ways they approach life’s challenges and the love they share with their own families. Born May 16, 1938 in Danville to Buell and Mary (Pittaway) Randall, Bob married Sandra “Sandi” B. Perry on December 20, 1986. He is survived by his beloved wife; children, Mark (Colleen) Randall, Paul Hempel, and Shannon LaBounty; ten grandchildren: Maeve Randall, Norah Randall, Aileen Randall, Ryan (Paige) Parker, Kennedy Hempel, Chloe Hempel, Calvin Hempel, Karys Hempel, Keegan Willis, and Bryce LaBounty (who provided loving, attentive, and compassionate care to Bob during the past several months); four great-grandchildren; nieces, Darla (Thomas) O’Shaughnessy and Danna (David) Harrold; and nephew, Robert “Bobby” (Donna) Randall; and many great nieces and nephews. Bob was preceded in death by his parents, a daughter, Kristy Lynn, and his brother, George.

Bob was raised and lived his entire life in Danville. And while he traveled the world, the place he loved the most was his hometown, which he credited for instilling and developing in him the values of faith, independence, patriotism, integrity, perseverance, and charity, values which would come to define his character and guide his life. He attended Danville public schools, graduating from Danville High School in 1956 and later attended Danville Area Community College, then known as Danville Junior College. 

He served loyally in the Illinois Army National Guard for several years. He worked for Illinois Bell Telephone Company from 1956 to 1970, rising to Assignment Foreman, before leaving to pursue a full-time career in Real Estate Sales and Management. Bob obtained his real estate license in 1964 and spent 54 happy and successful years as the owner of Robert W. Randall Real Estate. He always believed in the strengths and resilience of his hometown and maintained an unapparelled optimism and confidence in it through some of the most difficult financial years for the community. In his professional life, Bob was a leader, who inspired those around him to strive for excellence, which in his mind began with reliability and honesty. His work ethic, paired with an innate ability to connect with people, made him not only a respected figure, but also built for him a legacy to which others aspire. Bob was honored to serve as President of the Danville Area Board of Realtors during 1979 and 1998 and was voted Realtor of the Year in 1979 and 2013.

Bob’s sense of social responsibility led him to make a difference, to motivate and encourage others to leave this place we call home a little better. His contributions are a testament to his belief that service to community meant showing the importance of hard work, kindness, and the power of a helping hand. He served on numerous boards of directors of civic and business organizations, including the Danville Area Chamber of Commerce, Schlarman High School Foundation, Lakeview Memorial Foundation, Danville Symphony Orchestra, and Danville Area Community College Foundation. He was recognized as the Danville Chapter of AMBUCS’ First Citizen in 1992 and received the Rotary Club of Danville’s Vocational Service Award in 2005. Bob was the only person to serve as General Chair for four separate Danville United Way Campaigns, each of which surpassed its campaign goal. He was an elected Alderman for the City of Danville from 1989-1993.

The family will greet friends and relatives for a visitation on Thursday, February 6, 2025, from 4:00 pm to 7:00 pm at Sunset Funeral Home (3940 N. Vermilion Street, Danville, IL 61834). Funeral services will be held Friday, February 7, 2025, at 11:00 am at Danville First Church of the Nazarene (2212 N. Vermilion Street, Danville, IL 61832). A private family burial at the cemetery will take place later in the day. In lieu of flowers, the family requests support of any of these organizations that were especially important to Bob: The Danville First Church of the Nazarene, Danville Area Community College, and the Danville Symphony Orchestra.