Mr. Randy Cherry, 66, a cherished husband, father, grandfather, brother, uncle, and friend, passed away unexpectedly on July 23, 2024, at noon at the Charlie Norwood VA Medical Center in Augusta, Ga.
Born on July 22, 1958, to the late Ella Louise Black Cherry and the late Robert Cherry, Randy was a lifelong resident of Mooresville and a steadfast pillar of the community he loved so dearly. Randy joined Watkins Chapel A.M.E. Zion Church at a young age and remained an active member until his health began to decline. After graduating high school, he built an impressive legacy as an avid long-distance runner, completing two marathons. He served in the U.S. Army, achieving the rank of Private First Class before receiving an Honorable Discharge. Randy also worked as a laborer at Southern Constructors Inc., but his contributions to the community extend far beyond his professional career.
Randy was dedicated to mentorship and education, studying Criminal Justice and earning a certification in Small Business Bookkeeping from Mitchell Community College. He served as Vice President of the NAACP – South Iredell Chapter, organized the Eastern Heights Community Watch, participated in National Night Out, and helped coordinate the Community Juneteenth Celebration, along with various programs celebrating Black history. Additionally, he earned a certification in Basic Curriculum of Bible Studies from More Than Conquerors College, sharing his knowledge by teaching Bible study to various groups through Zoom, conference calls, and in-person sessions.
Throughout his life, Randy received numerous accolades for his service to the community, including Volunteer Awards from the Winnie Hooper Center, the National Society of the Daughters of the American Revolution Award for Excellence in Community Service, and Certificates of Appreciation from Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center and the Town of Mooresville Parks and Recreation for 17 years of volunteer work. Randy was also a passionate, loyal fan of the five-time Super Bowl Champion Dallas Cowboys.
He was preceded in death by his parents, Robert Cherry and Ella Louise Black Cherry; and three brothers, Roy Cherry Jr., Curtis Eugene Cherry, and Donnie Lee Cherry.
Randy’s legacy lives on through his wife, Phyllis Cherry; one daughter, Shantá R. Bryan (Jason) of Cornelius, N.C.; one bonus son, Cedrick Steele of Lenoir, N.C.; two brothers, Kenneth Cherry (Carol) of Mooresville and Robert Lee Cherry of Statesville, N.C.; two sisters, Pastor Donna Torrence (Pastor Victor) of Mooresville and Pastor Paulette White (Pastor Johnny) of Killeen, Texas; three grandchildren, Emani Hall of North, S.C., Ahmad Hall of Garner, N.C., and Ian Hall of Waynesville, N.C.; one bonus granddaughter, Janiyah Steele of Catawba, N.C.; one great-grandchild, Naomi Rae Hammond; and a host of nieces, nephews, cousins, other relatives, mentees, and friends.
Randy Cherry was a man of integrity, a beacon of love for his family, and a true craftsman of his community. His legacy will continue to inspire, and his memory will forever be etched in the hearts of all who knew and loved him.
Cavin-Cook Funeral Home & Crematory, Mooresville, is serving the Cherry family. Condolences may be made to the family at www.cavin-cook.com.