Randel “Randy” Jay Durdin, 78, of Huffman, Texas, passed away on May 8, 2025. Born Dec. 17, 1946, in Crockett, Texas, to Ocie Bailey Durdin and Bonnie Hazel Burns Durdin, Randy lived a life marked by hard work, service, and deep devotion to his family and community.
Randy graduated from North Shore High School and went on to build a life rooted in dedication and hands-on service. For the past 46 years, he called Huffman home, where he and his beloved wife, Gail, made their mark in the Idleloch neighborhood. As the longest-living resident, Randy played a key role in helping to establish the community and served on both the HOA and Water Board, always working to improve life for his neighbors.
Affectionately known as “Mr. Randy” in the neighborhood and “Pa” to his cherished grandchildren, Randy was always there with a helping hand or a word of advice. Whether fixing a neighbor’s leaky pipe, sharing practical wisdom, or just lending his time, he earned the nickname “Mr. Fix It” with pride.
A true outdoorsman, Randy was an avid hunter and fisherman who found joy in nature and was rarely seen indoors. He was always outside—working, building, tinkering, or simply enjoying the day. His work as a bridge and road inspector reflected his steady, detail-oriented nature, and his impact stretched across both his professional and personal life.
Randy was also a fixture in the stands at Huffman Hargrave High School football games. A loyal Falcon fan, he never missed a game, cheering on his team with the same steady loyalty he brought to every part of his life.
He was preceded in death by his parents and two brothers, Jerry Durdin and Steve Durdin.
He is survived by his loving wife of almost 54 years, Gail; his son Dustin Durdin and wife Kayla; daughter, Shannon Durdin-Rushton and husband Aaron Rushton; brother Glenn Durdin and his late wife Jackie; grandchildren Veda Durdin-Malloy, Jex Rushton, Rezlyn Rushton; special nephew and niece Bill and Connie Barton; numerous nieces, nephews, who he loved dearly, and was a father figure to, and many other family members and many friends.
A visitation will be held for Randy on Tuesday, May 13, 2025, from 6 to 8 p.m. at Pace Stancil Funeral Home, Dayton. A graveside service will follow Wednesday, May 14, 2025, at 2 p.m. at Gary Cemetery in Gary, Texas. Pallbearers for Randy will be Dustin Durdin, Matt Durdin, Kevin Jones, Keith Warren, Bill Barton, Aaron Rushton.