Randall Eugene "Rooster" Carmack

Randall Eugene “Rooster” Carmack, 74, of Abingdon, Virginia, passed away on June 28, 2026. How he earned the name “Rooster” is a story everyone seems to tell a little differently, and every version is funnier than the last.

Randy was known for his kind heart, his humor, and his love. Always laid back, he had a way of staying positive even in the hardest of times. He was the best storyteller in any room, and he had a particular talent for making babies cry, purely for the challenge of then becoming their favorite person. He gave nearly every kid he met a nickname, and those nicknames usually stuck for life. He loved bickering with Carole, his wife of 50 years; the two of them were a true example of deep love.

Randy worked in the auto industry, starting at car dealerships as a young man and working for years as a service manager at Bostic Ford before finishing his career at Toyota of Bristol, with a memorable stint in between as nanny to his grandson Neal. He welcomed every customer with a smile and a good chat, and plenty of folks asked for him by name the moment they walked in the door.

Randy lived on the banks of South Holston Lake, on a property that to him was truly paradise, a place where friends could always gather. Randy was just as happy with his hands in the dirt, tending his garden and watching his birds. But he truly found his happy place among friends: camping, pulling the kids around the lake, cutting wood, gathering around a campfire, and listening to music. Wherever the people he loved were, that’s where Randy wanted to be, and more often than not he was the life of the party.

Most of all, Randy cherished his children and grandchildren. He was their biggest supporter and helped shape each of them into better people.

Randy was preceded in death by his parents, Robert “Jack” and Barbara; his mother-in-law, Charlene; his brother, Don; and his son-in-law, Angus.

Randy leaves behind his wife, Carole; his daughter, Cassie (partner Dave); his son, Nolan (wife Maggy); and his cherished grandchildren, Neal, Davis, Teddy, and Keeton. He also leaves behind his brothers, Bill and David, and his sister, Kim; and many special nieces, nephews, cousins, and friends who were, in every way family.

A service will be held at Greenspring Presbyterian Church at 2:00 p.m. on Thursday, July 2, 2026 with a graveside to follow. There will be no visitation, but the family will gather at the Carmack Cove following the service.

The Family of Randall “Rooster” Carmack is being cared for by Farris Funeral Service & Crematory 427 E. Main Street, Abingdon, Va 276-623-2700.