Randolph M. Clarke

Randy was an exceptional man who had a life-long love for his family. His wife of 50 blessed years was the love of his life, and they had many crazy, wonderful adventures together both before and after adding their children to the mix. He had a brilliant mind and a wonderful sense of humor. For his children, he wasn’t just a dad, but a teaching dad. He never taught his children how to do something without them understanding why it needed to be done to prepare them for their futures. He was the fun-loving Granddad who told the best off-the-cuff stories and made those stories come alive, took them hiking through Hitchcock Woods, and showed his love for them through both words and actions. He had a love for the Lord which he showed through his generosity and kindness towards others.

He attended the University of Florida where he graduated in 1963 with a Bachelor of Electrical Engineering degree followed by a Master of Engineering degree in 1966. While attending the University of Florida, he was test engineer on the Faculty Staff Fallout Shelter Research Team. In 1972, he received 700 level postgraduate education in working and understand the special needs of disadvantaged people.

His professional career was very diverse. He was an instructor at the Aiken County Vocational Center teaching basics electronics and physics to plant technicians and, later, developed Kimberly Clark’s Technician Training Course. He joined the U.S. Army and served as a Sergeant of the Nuclear Missile Unit, Survey Platoon Leader, and later as First Lieutenant as a Battalion Ammunition Officer in Germany implementing Nuclear Weapons destruction/demolition training programs. He also worked at Owens-Corning Fiberglas as a Project Engineer where he was responsible for the installation of electrical control systems and equipment.

Later, he became an Assistant Professor of Engineering at the University of South Carolina-Aiken where he taught mechanical and electrical engineering curriculums in addition to physics, mathematics, statistics, and computer programming courses. He served as President of the Faculty Senate which as a statewide office. He was also USCA’s golf coach for 4 years.

He was a Systems Design Engineer at Oak Ridge Associated University Fellow where he designed an automatic incident actuator (AIA) system and printed circuit board designs.

He was employed by Allied General Nuclear Services as an Access Control Specialist in Security/Safeguards Department as well as supervisor of the Physical Security section, and Supervisor of the Technical Security Section where he was the technical liaison between the Company, architect/engineering groups, NRS, and vendors. He was responsible for the development, implementation, and supervision of security system equipment calibration, test, and preventive maintenance in technical programs.

His last employment was with E.I. DuPont at the Savannah River Plant. There, he worked as Senior Project Engineer in the Project Department where he oversaw the design and development of computer system architecture and software for advanced process and safeguards systems. He also had complete project responsibility for the specification, development, procurement, and installation of engineered process systems, including total project supervision and cost control.

Randy was a member of the Institute of Nuclear Materials Management; member and past Chairman of the American Society for Industrial Security, South Carolina Chapter; and an Affiliate with the Institute of Electrical and Electronic Engineers.

Randy had a passion for the game of golf which he played expertly, winning many, many golf tournaments around the State, and succeeded in making several holes-in-one of which he was very proud. He was a member of Aiken Golf Club and the South Carolina Golf Association (SCGA) and love traveling around the State of South Carolina playing different golf courses – the more challenging, the better for him. When he was no longer physically able to play golf, he would play his golf game on the computer for hours on end.

He is survived by his loving wife of 50 years, Patty Russo Clarke, 2 children, Randy Vincent (Erika), and Ashley Lynn, as well as 3 grandchildren who were the light of his life, Layla Rose (John), Aiden Randolph, and Jackson Connor, as well as his Grand-dog, Spencer Reid. He is also survived by son, David Costantino (Gina). He was predeceased by his mother, Hilda Mathis Clarke and his father, Randolph Meredith Clarke, Sr.

A huge shout-out to the amazing staff and caregivers at Aiken Memory Care. Randy could not have been more loved and cared for by anyone, other than his family. Not only did they care for all of his needs, but they also loved on him, made him laugh, and encouraged him to participate in activities. Any one of them could tell you that volleying a balloon back and forth was his absolute favorite activity and he played that with what gusto he could. Our family is eternally grateful for each and every one of them!

The family will receive friends Thursday afternoon, October 30th beginning a 1 o'clock at Shellhouse - Rivers Funeral Home.  The memorial service will follow at 2 o'clock at at the funeral home with Pastor Matt Steelman officiating. 

In lieu of flowers, the family has requested donations be made to: Cure Alzheimer’s Fund, 34 Washington Street, Suite 230, Wellesley Hills, MA 02481; National Autism Association, 310 Maple Avenue, Suite E1, Barrington RI 02806; or ACTS of Aiken, 401 Hayne Avenue, SW, Aiken, S.C.

SHELLHOUSE - RIVERS FUNERAL HOME, 715 EAST PINE LOG RD., AIKEN, SC