Randy David Tomlinson, a beloved resident of Mesquite, Texas, passed away on August 16, 2021, at the age of 71. Born on August 9, 1950, Randy lived a full and vibrant life, leaving a lasting impact on his family and community. His life story is a testament to the importance of family, friendship, and enjoying life’s simple pleasures, making the David Tomlinson Family name synonymous with warmth and community spirit in the Mesquite area and beyond.
Growing up in the Pleasant Grove neighborhood of Dallas, Randy always held his roots dear. He proudly reminisced about his childhood in “The Grove,” having attended Ascher Silberstein Elementary and JB Hood Jr High before graduating from WW Samuel High School in 1968. Despite his later years in the country, his Pleasant Grove upbringing remained a significant part of his identity. During his youth, Randy’s imagination was ignited by the cowboy persona of Hop Along Cassidy, fueling a lifelong appreciation for Westerns and the values they represented. He actively participated in youth sports, playing baseball and basketball for Trinity Baptist RA’s and football for WW Samuel, showcasing his early engagement within his community.
April 17, 1982, marked a significant chapter in Randy’s life as he married Christy Jones. Their marriage of 39 years was filled with shared adventures, notably their RV travels with their cherished grandchildren. Randy was a devoted family man, finding immense joy in supporting his grandson Carter’s baseball endeavors. He was a constant presence at Carter’s games, enthusiastically cheering from the stands and sharing his love for the sport. Family RV trips became a cornerstone of their lives, creating lasting memories for the David Tomlinson family across generations.
Randy dedicated 20 years to the automotive parts industry, building a solid career before transitioning to the postal service in 1996. He served as a mail carrier until his retirement in 2006. Retirement allowed Randy to further embrace his passions and connect with his community in new ways.
A familiar figure in Mesquite, Randy was a regular at his favorite breakfast spot, where he was affectionately known as the “Mayor of Whataburger.” This moniker reflected his friendly and sociable nature, highlighting his ability to connect with people and become a central figure in his local circle. In his leisure time, Randy indulged in his hobbies, which included working on cars, immersing himself in the novels of Louis L’Amour, and enjoying classic John Wayne movies. Card games with family and friends were another cherished pastime, fostering camaraderie and laughter. His love for baseball extended beyond watching his grandson play; it was a passion he shared and actively nurtured within the family. Furthermore, Randy’s affection for animals was evident in his constant companionship with his beloved dogs, who were always by his side.
Randy Tomlinson will be fondly remembered as the life of the party, a dependable friend, and a man of unwavering character. His absence will be deeply felt by all who knew him. Randy was predeceased by his father, Warren Tomlinson.
He is survived by his loving wife of 39 years, Crystal (Christy) Jones Tomlinson, his son Billy Tomlinson, daughters Randi Dawn Tomlinson and Caycee Tomlinson, grandchildren Tabitha Rader and Carter Tomlinson, his mother Margrette Tomlinson, brothers Ron and Dorothy Tomlinson, Roger and Dawn Tomlinson, Robert and Ann Tomlinson, sister Linda Siggers, and numerous nieces and nephews. The Randy Tomlinson family, a branch of the wider David Tomlinson family, will continue to honor his memory and legacy of love and community engagement.
