Randall D. Smith

Randall Duane “Randy” Smith, 77, passed away peacefully on October 9, 2026, in Wichita, Kansas. He was born on February 2,1949, to Duane Thomas Smith and Christine (Turk) Smith. 

Randy grew up spending summers boating on the Lake of the Ozarks aboard the family houseboat, The Royster Shell, and winters skiing Mount Crested Butte from the family’s cabin. He graduated from Wichita Southeast High School in 1967, where he excelled as a varsity letterman as catcher on the baseball team and quarterback on the football team. 

Randy attended the University of Kansas, where he was a member of the Phi Gamma Delta fraternity and enjoyed playing intramural football. He was, by every measure, a true Jayhawker and KC Chiefs Fan. Randy often shared stories from his eventful years at KU, including humorous frat stories, taking a boxing class with NFL star John Riggins, being the only person strong enough to hold the heavy bag for him, and training under the same weight coach as basketball legend Wilt Chamberlain. He had a lifelong passion for Western movies—especially films starring John Wayne and Clint Eastwood. He watched many of “The Duke’s” films repeatedly, eventually memorizing much of the dialogue. Randy admired John Wayne’s principles both on and off the screen, and many of those same values—strength, loyalty, respect, integrity, and perseverance—were evident in Randy’s own life. 

Randy was the proud owner and president of Gunning Wholesale, Inc., a successful sporting goods, firearms, and electronics wholesaler that he operated for more than 20 years. His professional career also included serving as sales manager for FuelBuster, sales manager at Scholfield Pontiac & GMC, equipment rental manager at M6 Concrete Accessories, and owner and operator of R&K Trucking. His business acumen and entrepreneurial spirit made him a respected business leader in Wichita for many years. 

Randy especially loved fishing and hunting with his sons and grandchildren. He did his best to attend every sporting event involving his children and grandchildren, cheering them on with choice words, joy and pride. Whenever the weather permitted, Randy and his wife, Kay, treasured their peaceful pontoon boat rides from their own backyard in Wagon Wheel Ranch through the Indianola River out to Santa Fe Lake. Randy lived life to the fullest, raised his children with love and strong values. He will be forever missed by all who were blessed to share in his journey of life. 

Randy is survived by his sister, Danice Giles; his brother, Bradley Smith; his sons, Justin Smith and wife Crystal, Chris Merritt and wife Pam, Tanner Smith and wife Amber, Parker Smith and wife Kim; and his five grandchildren, Gunner, Fenton, Wyatt, Sarah, and Samantha. Randy was preceded in death by his parents, Duane and Christine; first cherished wife, Lynda (Smith), and his second beloved wife, Kay (Washburn). 

A Celebration of Life and Memorial Service will be held on Thursday, October 29, 2026, 1:00 pm, at Cozine Life Event Center, located at 11500 E 21st St N, Wichita, KS 67206.