Randolph A Malone, Iii

Dr. Randolph ("Randy") A. Malone, III, age 91, made a peaceful transition to heaven on August 16, 2023 in Gainesville, Georgia following a long bout with cancer. He was the son of the late Rand and Claire (Carter) Malone, Jr. of Coral Gables, Florida. Randy was born October 9, 1931 and grew up in Coral Gables, Florida, educated in public schools there, and graduated from Emory University School of Medicine in 1956. In 1957, during his internship year, he married the love of his life, Mary Elizabeth Hodge of Cartersville, Georgia. He served in the U.S. Naval Reserve 1952-1963, with two years of active duty 1957-59. Following Pediatric Residency he attended Columbia Presbyterian Seminary, receiving a Bachelor of Biblical Education degree. He and Mary were medical missionaries in Ecuador, but Randy contracted a serious illness that brought them home in 1963. Thomasville, Georgia became their home, where they raised their family. He founded the Thomasville Pediatric Center in January, 1964, loving his patients and their parents. He variously served terms as chairman of the Pediatric Department and chief of the medical staff at Archbold Memorial Hospital, and did volunteer work for the Crippled Children's Service and the Thomas County Health Department. As a Rotarian he helped organize the Interact Club at Thomasville High School. During this time, he earned a Master of Theology Degree, and served as an elder and Bible teacher at First Presbyterian Church, Friendship Presbyterian Church and New Covenant Church. He and Mary loved hosting a weekly sharing and caring group at their home for over 30 years, and always enjoyed Christian fellowship. Randy had many interests. He kept a horse, played the guitar in a bluegrass band, helped lead worship for church groups and lay renewals, owned and flew an airplane, published and recorded a book of Scripture songs, was a ham radio operator, wrote several genealogy research books, and for a time chaired the Thomas County Republican Party. In 1999 they moved to Lake Burton, and enjoyed 12 happy retirement years there, teaching in a men's Christian fellowship, hosting various events, and serving on two foreign mission boards. They moved in December of 2011 to Lanier Village Estates in Gainesville. Randy assisted the chaplain leading worship services, enjoyed participating in the Follies and playing guitar in the combo, "Silver Notes." He and Mary were members of Free Chapel in Gainesville. He is survived by his wife Mary, and children Dr. Rand A. Malone, IV, (Elizabeth); Beth Miller, (Guy); and John H. Malone. He and Mary have 10 grandchildren: Morgan Purvis, (Krishan); David Malone, (Gabrielle); Randolph Malone, V; Nathan Malone, (Rachel); Christopher Malone, (Kate); Ashley Malone; Austin Malone; Elissa Rusev (Denis); Caitlia Miller; Matson Miller; and six great-grandchildren, Elizabeth Rose Malone, Emmett Malone, Owen Malone, Raegan Purvis, Asher Malone, and Charlotte Malone. A memorial service will be held at Allen & Allen Funeral Home in Thomasville, GA on September 2 at 11:00 am. In lieu of flowers, memorial gifts may be given to Akha Outreach Foundation, online at https://donorbox.org/donate-to-akha-outreach-foundation or by check in care of Faith Bible Chapel, 12189 W. 64th Ave., Arvada, CO 80004 or to the charity of your choice.