“ Hands touching hands in leading and following and in comfort and compassion ”
As written and submitted by Gerrye Randall
You would never have found Clifford in a boardroom in corporate management ; or a chairman of CEO of a company . His goals were not of prestige , power or money , but of young people ; education ; service and the classroom .
His love of sports began growing up in East Lexington and playing for their famous little league and Babe Ruth baseball teams . He was a star pitcher beginning at age 9 and excelled in that position throughout .
He was a 1969 graduate of Lexington Lafayette where he distinguished himself as a competitive athlete .
His love of baseball dates back to the late 50 ’ s early 60 ’ s . Baseball and pitching is synonymous with the name Randall . Clifford ’ s dad , Junior Randall , and uncles Pete Randall and Leon Randall played on traveling teams throughout the South . They won or placed well in every feat ! If you knew any of them , you would know for sure ; that they were not good losers , always striving for the win . Their athleticism was passed down to their sons and grandsons . Our son , Greg learned the sidearm pitch early on .
When Clifford moved to Somerset in 1970 to attend Somerset Community College , he became interested in tennis . He began to hang around the “ Hole ” where the tennis courts were set on Hopkins playground . He met the locals there such as Jack Padgett , Larry Nichols and Coach Clark .
He worked on his game playing daily and after a few years , he won the City Tournament . If you knew Clifford , this was just a task and he wanted more . He played in many area tournaments gradually becoming involved in the USTA and KTA . Tim Ikerd was his friend , doubles partner and oftentimes his nemesis . Jason Ford was another friend and competitor . Clifford and Chris Godby were great practice players , friends and began the Central Kentucky Tennis Circuit . He , Jason Ford , and Bobby Smith started the
Remembering Clifford Randall
September 2022 SEKY - Life in Southeast Kentucky • 23