Randolph Henry McKee

In loving memory of Randolph Henry McKee Randolph Henry McKee, 83, of Gainesville, Virginia (formerly of Indian Harbour Beach, Florida), passed peacefully at home on the morning of October 25, 2025, surrounded by loved ones. Born on August 9, 1942, at the Brooklyn Naval Hospital in Brooklyn, NY, Randy was the eldest son of Vivian (Fischel) McKee and Henry Elmer McKee. His father, serving in the Navy, received the news of Randy’s birth while on maneuvers in the Atlantic. Randy spent his formative years in Bellerose, NY, living with his grandparents, mother, brothers, Aunt Trudy, and cousins. His cousins, Ronald and Roger Fulop, became his lifelong best friends and were as close as siblings. Randy graduated from Princess Anne High School in Virginia Beach, VA, in 1960. He enlisted in the United States Navy Reserves as an airplane mechanic. During a flight to Cuba to support Brigade 2506, his plane was turned around following President Kennedy’s withdrawal from the Bay of Pigs invasion. Randy often shared stories from his service, including a memorable cheesecake flight from NAS Norfolk to NAS New York, Floyd Bennett Field, for Junior’s Cheesecake! After active duty, Randy worked for Republic Aviation, helping build the hydraulics for the F-105 Thunderchief, affectionately known as the “Thud.” In October 2024, he was reunited with one at the Steven F. Udvar-Hazy Center. In 1968, Randy joined the New York City Police Academy. Following the assassination of Martin Luther King Jr., he was sworn in after just three days of training to help manage the city’s unrest. He served the NYPD for 20 years and 4 months, later working as the night Security Officer for the Connetquot Central School District until relocating to Florida. Randy was a man of many passions. Whether landscaping, detailing cars, playing dress-up with his girls, or cleaning the house to “Macho Man” by the Village People, he brought joy and dedication to everything he did. A skilled marksman, he served as a Range Officer at the Port Malabar Gun Club and competed in firearm competitions. He hunted deer and boar, though he later questioned the fairness of boar hunting. A proud member of the Knights of Columbus, Randy was Assistant District Deputy for the East Coast of Florida, past Grand Knight, and a Fourth Degree Honor Guard member. He was known for his storytelling, mechanical skills, and generosity. Though his presence commanded respect, he was a gentle soul who only ever asked for a thank you and a pat on the back. Randy was proud of his Irish and Austrian heritage, which he carried with honor and joy throughout his life. After a four-month courtship, Randy married Audrey, his wife of 51 years—because, as he said, “she had great teeth,” though it was her wit and confidence that truly won him over. He is survived by Audrey and their children, Christine (William), Laurie (Joseph), and Jennifer. He was a devoted grandfather to Joshua, William, Daniel, Ryan, Megan, Rosemary, and Quinn, and a great-grandfather to Julianna. He is also survived by his brother Jeffrey (Rose), nephew Jeremy, great-nephew Jamison, and lifelong friend Carlos Ramos. Randy was preceded in death by his parents, Henry and Vivian; his brother, Dennis; his cousins, Ronald and Roger Fulop; and his mother-in-law, Rosemary Yudelson, whom he loved and cherished. His legacy lives on in the stories he told, the lives he touched, and the love he gave so freely. He will be deeply missed and forever r

Randolph Henry McKee

August 9, 1942 - October 25, 2025