Mr. Randall Lee Penticuff

Randall Lee Penticuff was born on Friday, October 15, 1948 to James Odell Penticuff and Doris Louise (Swim) Penticuff in New Castle, Indiana. He was raised by his loving and doting, Mamaw Penticuff. Randy graduated from New Castle High School in 1966, and he then graduated from Broadcasting Careers of America in 1968. He began his broadcasting career at WJCP 1460AM in North Vernon, Indiana hosting the “Morning Chat Show”. Later he was offered his own show, “The Randy Lee Morning Show” in Greensburg, IN. After changes in the radio station, Randy decided to continue his education by attending, Ball State University. He began working for Shift Shoe Store to earn money towards college. During high school, Randy was friends with his future wife, Karen Elaine New. They began dating in 1968, when they both attended Ball State University. They got married in 1970. Randy became a manager of the Shift Shoe Store in Cape Girardeau, Missouri. Then in April of 1971, they were blessed with their one and only son, Brandon Kyle Penticuff. He is the light of both his parents’ lives. Karen’s parents, Ray and Bonnie New, welcomed Randy into their family with open arms. They treated him like the son they never had. Ray taught him so many things; he was the very best of role models. In 1973, Randy began working for General Motors Guide Plant 7. He worked as a supervisor and was adored by many of his co-workers and employees. Most of his employees referred to him as their “best boss of all time”. In 2003, Randy retired from GM after putting in 30 years. In the late ’70’s, Randy coached T-ball and minor league baseball at Shadyside Park for six years. “Coach” made a great impression on all these young kids; who years later would see him in town and make a point to thank him and hug him for being such a positive influence. He impacted many lives in our community. He supported his wife in all her endeavors. In 1985, Randy helped Karen in setting up, Senior Shopping Service, Inc., that began as a business in their garage. They grew it into a million dollar company that is now a national network that serves over 27,000 nursing homes in the United States. He was her support, her partner, her love, and her rock throughout their nearly 50 years together. Karen had the ideas and the vision, and Randy had the detail and wherewithal to make it happen. Randy was a visionary in his own right. He realized very quickly how important computers were going to be in the future. In the mid-80’s, Randy purchased a Commodore 64, one of the first computers out on the market. He and his son, Brandon, began their love of the technology back in the days when to do anything, you had to program it. Randy pushed for early integration of technology into Senior Shopping Service to include computer accounting and website creation. They were “geeks” even before it was cool! Randy was a member of the National Society of Accountants, a member of the Daleville Masonic Lodge 730, and a member of Scottish Rite Valley of Indianapolis. He was also honored in 1977, by city of Anderson, for assisting Ray New in rescuing a family from a house fire. Randy was such a generous, kind, and compassionate man. If you knew Randy, you know that if you went to him with an issue or problem, he would stop whatever he was doing to assist you in any way possible. He loved to laugh and he loved people! With the support of his father-figure, Ray New, Randy Penticuff became the best of all father figures. In May 1995, one of his proudest moments in his life, was to see his son, Brandon, graduate from Ball State University. In 1996, he gained a daughter through marriage to his son. He loved Sarah (Potts) Penticuff, like his own daughter. He often said, “I couldn’t have picked out a better wife for my own son, because I not only have a son, but gained a daughter.” In September 2004, his only grandson, Jordan Ray Penticuff was born. He had a strong bond with Jordan, and they were the best of friends. Together, they were known as “Punky Doodle” and “Grandpa Doodle”. Randy was preceded in death by his nephew, Caleb “Kilo” Lipe; his mother-in-law, Bonnie Jean New; and just one month ago, his father-in-law, Curtis “Ray” New. He is survived by his wife, Karen Elaine (New) Penticuff; his son, Brandon Kyle Penticuff; his daughter-in-law, Sarah Christen (Potts) Penticuff; his grandson, Jordan Ray Penticuff; his sister-in-law, Rebecca Jean (New) Lipe and her husband, John Lipe. On Friday, February 23rd at 11:30, we will meet in the parking lot of Brown- Butz-Diedring Funeral home, 515 E. 53rd St., Anderson. The procession will follow to Anderson Memorial Park Cemetery for a brief Masonic service in the chapel and the entombment in the family mausoleum. Following the service, friends and family are invited to the 40/8 Club on Rangeline Road to reminisce and share fond memories of our beloved, Randy. In lieu of flowers, please consider donations to one of Randy’s favorite charities: the National Humane Society, the Audubon Society, or Autism Speaks.