The Rev. Bernard R. Randolph passed away peacefully at the Royal View Retirement Community on Friday, July 20th. He was 102 years of age at his death. He was born to Elmer and Elma Randolph in Grant Township of St. Clair County on Oct. 02, 1915. Bernard was raised on the family farm along with his four brothers.In 1936, he Married Dorothy Chadwick and that bond was intact for 73 remarkable years. She preceded him with her passing in 2009. Bernard returned to college and earned his degree in 1956 from Central Michigan University and proceeded on to the theological seminary in preparation for his life's work. Rev. Randolph entered the Methodist Ministry in 1948 at Sanford, Michigan. He was ordained as an Elder in 1959 and carried on his service to the West Michigan Conference serving in a number of parishes, including: Big Rapids, Paris, Rodney and Northland United Methodist Church in Stanwood. Rev. Randolph retired in 1978 and resided in the Big Rapids area. He was active in the First United Methodist Church in many capacities, but his favorite was joining in with the choir. He was known for his strong singing voice. Bernard was awarded the Conference Cane for being the oldest member of the West Michigan Conference of the United Methodist Church, which he held for 10 years. He was a long time member of the Lions Club in several cities where he lived and the Odd Fellows Lodge in Big Rapids. Bernard was preceded in death by his wife, parents, his 4 brothers and his grandson Scott Randolph. He is survived by his 5 sons, Stephen (Peggy) of Hesperia, Douglas (Bonnie) of Spring Arbor, Dennis (Marge) of Northfield, MN, Tom (JoEllen) of Midland and Charles (Sandy) of Big Rapids, along with an assortment of grandchildren, great grandchildren and great-great grandchildren. Funeral services will be held at the First United Methodist Church of Big Rapids, 304 Elm Street, on Monday, August 6, 2018 at 2:00 PM with the Rev. Becky Morrison and the Rev. Dean Prentiss presiding. Visitation will be held at the church one hour prior to the service. Rev. Randolph will be laid to rest at Pine Plains Cemetery in Big Rapids. Memorials may be donated to the Big Rapids First United Methodist Church or a charity of your choosing in his name. Share a memory or leave a condolence for the family by clicking the guestbook tab at www.daggettgilbertfuneralhome.com Funeral Service Monday, August 6, 2018 02:00 PM Big Rapids First United Methodist Church 304 Elm Street Big Rapids,MI 49307