Randall Hoyt Adams
Randall Hoyt Adams, a devoted husband, proud United States Marine, and dedicated law enforcement officer, passed away on Thursday, Feb. 6, 2025, at the age of 73.
Born on January 7, 1952, Randy lived a life filled with service, adventure, and an unwavering love for his family, the outdoors, and the water.
Randy proudly served in the United States Marine Corps, where he became a skilled Marine diver and was stationed in Okinawa, Japan, and the Philippines. His years in the Marine Corps shaped his discipline, resilience, and passion for exploration.
After his military service, he built a career in law enforcement with Gwinnett County, where he dedicated himself to training and mentoring others through GA P.O.S.T. His expertise also extended into specialized training in emergency response, medical procedures, firearms, scuba diving, and underwater search and rescue, making him a highly respected instructor in his field.
Over the years, he held many positions within the department, including roles in the Fugitive Division and Internal Affairs. After years of service, Randy retired in 1999 with the rank of Lieutenant.
Along with his public service career, Randy also owned a business where he spent decades on Lake Lanier raising sunken boats and teaching scuba classes, sharing his deep respect and enthusiasm for the underwater world. As a PADI Master Instructor, he trained and mentored countless students, helping them develop the skills and confidence to explore beneath the surface.
Beyond his career, Randy embraced life to the fullest, always seeking his next adventure. A natural teacher, he found joy in mentoring others, whether in law enforcement, diving, or outdoor survival. An avid outdoorsman, he loved hunting, spear fishing, camping, and boating, embracing every challenge that nature had to offer. He. also had a deep passion for riding motorcycles starting at a young age, enjoying the freedom of the open road.
Randy spent over three decades with the love of his life, Rhonda. Together, they built a lifetime of memories filled with beach trips, motorcycle rides and countless adventures. In the final years of Randy’s life, as his health declined, Rhonda faithfully remained by his side as devoted wife, skilled nurse, unwavering advocate and dedicated caregiver until his last breath.
Randy’s heart was deeply rooted in the country, where he found peace at his beloved cabin in Monticello. He cherished time spent there, surrounded by the beauty of nature, the thrill of adventure, and the warmth of family. Above all, Randy loved his family immensely. The memories made with his children and grandchildren will be cherished forever.
Semper Fidelis, Marine—your adventure continues.
He was preceded in death by his parents, Hoyt Adams and Dora Amelia Speer Adams, and beloved service dog, Trixie.
He is survived by his loving wife of 28 years, Rhonda Louise Woodard Adams of Monticello; children, Shawn (Mary) Adams of Hoschton, Mandy (Lester) Obando of Lilburn, Jill Hagler of Madison, Michael (Simone) Payne of Cordele, Brenda (Scott) Gittemeier of St. Louis, Mo., Pam Payne of Monroe and Amanda Anderson of Oxford; 16 grandchildren; 11 great-grandchildren; sister, Sandra (Don) Bowers of Winder; beloved niece, Angie Thompson; and beloved nephew, Greg Bowers.
A celebration of life will be held at their cabin on 1305 Wild Road, Monticello, Ga. at 1 p.m., Monday, Feb. 10, 2025. Pastor Mark Coffman will officiate.
Jordan Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements.
Please visit our website at www.jordanfuneralhomemonticello.com.