Randolph Haskins, Sr.

Randolph “Randy” Haskins Sr. departed this life on January 20, 2026, at the age of 86

at Christiana Hospital, Accent Hospice and went to be with his Heavenly Father. Randy

born on June 12, 1939, in Chatham, Virginia, was the fifth of seven children born to the

late Eddie Haskins and Evangelist Mattie Corine Stone Haskins. In addition to his

parents, he was preceded in death by his brothers Archie, Richard, Jack “JC” and

Bennie “BT” Haskins, sister Evelyn Haskins Gallmon, seven aunts and seven uncles,

father-in-law Willie Murray, two grandsons Brian McGovern Jr., Robert Ross Jr. and two

nieces Rufina Haskins and Mattie Haskins.

Randy was united in marriage to Doris Haskins, his beloved wife, who stood by his side

through every season of life. Their bond was a testament to love, devotion, and mutual

affection. Doris provided loving care for him until the very end, making sure that he

remained the handsome man we all knew! She made sure he was always dressed to

the nines, had his rings on his fingers, and his moustache and beard shaved perfectly to

a “T”. Doris made sure he had all of his favorite meals…all while he would complain

about her feeding him way too much food. The interaction was so funny and comforting

to see. The only time he wouldn’t complain about eating is when his daughter in law

Shylla would fix his favorite foods such as chicken & rice, meatloaf and lemon cake.

Randy leaves behind one brother, Rufus “Soulman” Haskins of Wilmington, Delaware.

Four daughters Rene Haskins Richardson (Howard) of Georgia, Rhonda Haskins of

Tennessee, KaShamba Rae Williams of Maryland, and Chalary Haskins (Chris) of

Montana. Four sons Brian McGovern (Robin) of Pennsylvania, Darren Harris (Carmi),

Randy Haskins Jr. (Shylla), Randy “Squirt” Hill-Haskins (Veronica), and Stepson Ernest

“Buddha” Hill all of Delaware. Two step-daughters - Ferdonia Cusseaux (Dan), and

Keyanna Hairston, all of Florida.

Randy loved and cherished his 26 grandchildren and 21 great grandchildren, who

affectionately called him “Pop-Pop.” He was everyone’s favorite guy. He loved spending

time with his grands and great-grands, and many times was the first one at the hospital

when they were born. He enjoyed seeing them grow up and after most visits to the

house, they normally left with money in their pockets, often times $20 dollar bills or

more. “Doris, go get my wallet!” was what he would always say RIGHT before the

grands walked out the door. The love felt with his grands was mutual, with one of his

youngest grandsons recently saying that he would give back all of the money Pop-Pop

ever gave him, just to have him here one more day.

Randy also leaves behind his sister in laws Marian Murray (Butchie), Donna Murray,

Cynthia Stokes, Michelle Murray, Lisa Terrell and brothers in law, Melvin Murray, Willie

Murray all of Michigan and Jessie Gallmon of Washington, DC. He leaves one aunt in

law Florine Johnson, and a special cousin in law Kerry Johnson who visited him daily

and never left his side. Kerry jokingly referred to himself as Randy’s lawyer, as he

deemed himself his fixer of all things.

Randy also leaves many nieces, nephews, cousins and a host of relatives and friends.

Randy received his early education attending Pittsylvania County, Virginia Schools. He

was a star athlete and loved learning and attending school. Of course, he was popular

with everyone and even modeled himself after a popular black athlete of that time. As

such, he “rebranded” himself as “James Randolph” and had everyone in the town of

Gretna, Virginia call him by his “new” name and persona. As he grew older in his teens,

he desired more for his life and grew tired of working in the tobacco fields and the

constant suppression of the segregated South.

Randy, as everyone knows, would not hold his tongue, even as a child. As such, it was

in his best interest to move North with family (The Farmers), and Delaware became his

home.

Randy was a hard worker! Upon arriving in Wilmington in 1957, he started working at

Bings Bakery in Newark where he mastered many levels of baking and creating

delectable delights. The Bing family loved him and his strong work ethic, and as result

wanted to send him to pastry school. Unfortunately, he was unable to go as he

developed an allergy to some of the materials used in the baking process. However,

God had other plans for him.

Always the family man, Randy went back to Virginia in 1960 to bring his little brother

Rufus to Delaware. It wasn’t enough for just him to do well. He had to be sure that

Rufus had more opportunities to work and better himself too.

Randy eventually joined the Chrysler Corporation in Newark, Delaware. While there, he

worked in many capacities, including as a mechanic, in maintenance and as a forklift

operator. He was well liked, and made lifelong friends while working at the assembly

plant including; Mac Billings, John Cherniski, and James Williams who until just recently

would still meet at the UAW gym. One of his friends at Chrysler was the infamous Bob

Marley, who also worked on the forklift alongside him in the 1970s.

Randy retired in 2001 after 35 years of committed service and provided for his extended

family during this time. He was able to put many of his kids through college and

attended many of his grandchildren’s high school and college graduations cheering

them on. He was also proud to share with everyone, that his daughter Rene, was a

USFL football cheerleader for the Tampa Bay Bandits, and his daughter Rae an author.

He attended every sports game of his kids and grands he could,(often times yelling at

the coach or anyone else he was in disagreement with) from the sidelines or bleachers.

Even if there was a crowd of thousands, you always knew where he was. The infectious

smile and proud look on his face was enough to launch rockets. He was always present

and you knew that you were protected and loved.

Randy was not satisfied with retirement, and his nature didn’t allow him to sit still so, just

sitting around or in a “rocking chair” would not work for him! He quickly began his

“second act” and started driving school buses for Advanced Student Bus Company. He

enjoyed getting up at 5am, drinking his coffee and cooking breakfast along with picking

up the school kids, primarily for Howard High School. He was a smiling face to the

children, but also the no nonsense (and zero patience) enforcer! He drove for over 13

years before finally deciding to retire.

Randy was an avid Philadelphia Eagles and 76ers fan! And, when the Eagles were

winning he was incredibly happy, and over the moon! As you can imagine, the Eagles

reigning as the Superbowl champions in 2018 and 2025, put him on top of the world.

However, when they would lose a game, he took it hard and would tell Doris to take all

of his Eagles paraphernalia and throw it in the trash! All would be forgiven when the

Eagles started winning again, and life would be great. He especially enjoyed watching

the games on Sundays with his sons, which they did more often as his health began to

decline. On those weekends he looked forward to speaking on the phone with all his

daughters as well, as they continually cared for him even from afar in other states.

Randy was well known all over Delaware and beyond. “Mr. Melody” as he was

nicknamed, could be heard coming down the street (with his distinct airhorn) before you

even saw his infamous GOLD van and chain steering wheel! He kept his cars and his

trucks clean and was always outside in the driveway, detailing them until they shined. If

you ever sat outside the house with him (in his well manicured lawn), it was an endless

parade of cars and people stopping to talk , waving, blowing horns at him and yelling

hello constantly! When you asked him who was that? He would often say, “I don’t know.

However, everyone knew him, even though he had no idea who half of them were.

Constitution Boulevard will never be the same.

Randy was a skilled bowler and belonged to a number of bowling leagues across New

Castle County. He was also a member of the Diamond State Van Club where his

infamous van would always be a part of the clubs’ events.

Randy received God early on as a child in Virginia and was re-baptized at Ezion Fair

Baptist Church in 2013, under Pastor C.T. Curry. He loved attending church and getting

dressed in his finest suits. He was always sharp! Even when not feeling his best, when

the sermon message hit him, he would gather his strength to stand up and thank God

for his goodness. Randy would also support his son Randy Jr., as he began preaching

as a Minister and was proudest of him as he delivered the Word. He said that when he

saw his son give his life to Christ, he became inspired and knew he needed to do the

same. We know that Randy loved God and accepted Jesus Christ as his Lord and

Savior. Because of that, we rejoice that he is at peace and resting in Jesus’ arms.

Our favorite person is gone and will forever be missed. Dad will always live in our

hearts.