Dr. Royal Randolph Jr.

With heavy hearts, we announce the passing of Dr. Royal Randolph, Jr., MD MPH, a beloved father, grandfather, brother, and esteemed psychiatrist. Dr. Randolph, age 78, passed away peacefully on May 18, 2024, under the care of a loving staff at Riverside Medical Center in Kankakee, IL. Born on July 9, 1945, in Brunswick, Georgia, Royal was the cherished son of Royal Randolph, Sr., and Lillian Delores Anderson Randolph and the grandson of Joseph Anderson and Fannie Gibson Anderson. As a baby, Royal moved with his family to West Palm Beach, Florida, where he spent his early childhood. When he was in the 7th grade, he moved back to Brunswick, Georgia, to live with his beloved maternal grandparents. Royal adored his grandparents, and their influence was profound in his life, so much so that he named his son Joseph after his grandfather. Royal graduated from Risley High School in 1963. His academic journey continued as he earned a bachelor's degree in zoology with a minor in chemistry from Fort Valley State University in Georgia, a Doctor of Medicine degree from the University of Illinois Chicago, and a master's degree in public health from the University of California, Berkeley. He was also accepted into the prestigious joint Master of Science/Doctor of Veterinary Medicine program at Tuskegee University in Alabama. Dr. Randolph held psychiatric licensure in Hawaii, California, Washington, and Georgia and had been a practicing psychiatrist since 1979. Throughout his illustrious career, Royal made significant contributions to his field. He served as the psychiatric consultant for Maui Youth and Family Services and formerly held the position of medical director at the Aloha House residential substance abuse treatment program. His professional affiliations included several esteemed organizations and boards, reflecting his commitment to advancing mental health care. Royal took great pride in maintaining an unblemished professional reputation throughout his career. Beyond his professional achievements, Royal was a devoted family man. He leaves behind his loving wife, Destiny Kim Randolph (Tuyet Ngan Thi Son), who loyally took care of his every need as his body failed up to his last breath, and their children, Joseph Anderson Randolph and Sylvia Kim Randolph. He also credits his first wife, Vivian Ball Randolph, with inspiring and supporting him to become a doctor, and together they had a son, Royal (Dr. Adriane) Randolph, III. He was a proud grandfather to Royal Randolph, IV, and Addison B. Randolph. His sister, Shirley (Richard, deceased) Randolph Ellis, sister-in-laws Euris Belle and Crystal (Long) Nguyen, brother-in-law Tan (Ngoan) Nguyen, nieces—Crystal, Pam, Twila, Leah, Tamara, Dorcas, Ruth, Valdesha, Nhu Ai, Nhu Bang, Nguyen, nephews—Dravious, Maurice, Brandon, Tai, Dolson, Skyson also survive him. His sister, Sharon (Johnny) Randolph Avery, preceded him in death. Royal's life was a testament to the importance of family, education, and health. His hobbies included running, working in his yard, undertaking handy projects around the house, traveling, and spending time with his family. Even after he had to stop running, he remained committed to his fitness by taking daily walks around his neighborhood, often while listening to something from his eclectic music collection, which ranged from Ennio Morricone to James Brown, Marty Dread to Bob Marley, and Beethoven. He enjoyed attending his kids' sporting events and recitals, always showing his unwavering support. He enjoyed staying connected with his friends, from his high school days, "The Lads," to the lifelong friends he made throughout his life in the Bay Area and Hawaii. He was an avid reader of medical journals, always staying on top of the latest developments in his field. As we remember Royal, we celebrate his life and the legacy he leaves behind—a legacy of kindness, dedication, and love. His contributions to his field and community have left an indelible mark, and his memory will live on in the hearts of all who knew him. A private viewing for his immediate family was held to honor Dr. Royal Randolph, Jr. In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be made to a mental health charity of your choice in his memory. Rest in peace, Royal. Your life was a gift to us all, and your legacy will continue to inspire and uplift for generations to come.