The Oglethorpe Echo
J. Randy Gabriel, 68, of Colbert passed away on Sept. 16, 2023.
A native and lifelong resident of Oglethorpe County, he was the son of the late Robert William Gabriel Sr. and Sybil Irene Gabriel. Along with his parents, he was preceded in death by three nephews and one niece.
He is survived by his lovely wife of 45 years, Donna Marie Gabriel; son and daughter in law: Logan and Crystal Gabriel; grandchildren: Kinleigh Darracott and Coralynn Gabriel; two brothers: William “Dub” Gabriel and Greg Gabriel; two half-sisters: Marlene and Darlene Gabriel; and four nephews.
Randy was heavily involved in many 4-H programs in Madison County and Oglethorpe County for many years. He had a passion for teaching firearm safety and sports to the members of 4-H. Randy was a coach on the Madison County 4-H shotgun team for two years and the Oglethorpe County shotgun team for 11 years. He also assisted in coaching the Madison County archery and BB gun team. He impacted the lives of countless young adults in the 4-H SAFE Programs.
Naturally, Randy also loved to hunt and had a joy for anything outdoors related. He would take any child hunting that wanted to learn and very much enjoyed doing so. Randy worked at the University of Georgia in the animal and dairy science department and farmed for many years, but he was most known as a cowboy.
A memorial service will be held at 4 p.m. Thursday Sept. 21, in the chapel of Lord and Stephens Funeral Home East. A visitation will take place one hour prior to the service, from 3-4 p.m.
Lord and Stephens Funeral Home, East, Athens is in charge of arrangements.