Judge Randall Lyn Carney

Judge Randall Lyn Carney

Judge Randall Lyn Carney, age 57, of Osceola, went to be with the Lord at Baptist Memorial Hospital in Memphis, Tennessee on Wednesday, August 9, 2017. He was born on September 28, 1959 in Blytheville, Arkansas to Tommy and Mabelee Lunsford Carney. He was a member of First Baptist Church in Osceola, Arkansas.

He attended schools in Blytheville, Arkansas, Marked Tree, Arkansas, Sadler, Texas and Glendale, California. He graduated from Glendale High School in Springfield, Missouri in 1978. He loved sports, especially football and basketball, and he played both while in junior high and high school. He was an avid Oakland Raiders fan, and pursued an ongoing rivalry with his twin brother, who is a Kansas City Chiefs fan.

While in high school, he worked part-time at two restaurants and became interested in food service. He managed Bonanza restaurant for two years before opening his own restaurant. While in Blytheville, he attended Mississippi County Community College (ANC) and Arkansas State University, Jonesboro. He graduated from The Dallas Institute for Funeral Service on August 12, 1988.

He was manager of Roller-Swift Funeral Home in Osceola for several years before becoming regional manager of Roller Funeral Homes in Northeast Arkansas. While at Roller-Swift, he was Coroner of Mississippi County for several terms. He was also the CEO of Bailey Funeral Homes in Southern Arkansas and Northern Louisiana.

Randy returned to Mississippi County after several years of being away to pursue his dream of building his own funeral home. Partnering with his parents, he was very proud of the fact his dream came true. However, three years after Carney Funeral Home opened, he was approached by several in the community asking him to run for County Judge. This position and the opportunity to help and serve others in a new way soon became his new passion. He loved serving people. He was in his fourth term as County Judge of Mississippi County.

He has served in various capacities in Osceola Rotary Club, including being a Paul Harris Fellow and Blytheville Kiwanis Club as President of both clubs. He served as President and in other positions with the South Mississippi County Chamber of Commerce in Osceola. Judge Carney was associated with and served with: Association of Arkansas Counties, Northeast Arkansas Chief Elected Officials, Blytheville-Gosnell Regional Airport Authority, East Arkansas Planning and Development District, Great River Economic Development Foundation, and a host of committees throughout the county. He also served on the Osceola School Board for many years. Judge Carney was a family man. He cherished his wife and often referred to her as the love of his life. He was proud of the young men David and Luke have become. Amanda was his only child for 20 years and she was his “SugarBear.” She has blessed him with three precious little granddaughters that he thought hung the moon. He loved all his siblings, but had a special relationship with his twin brother Rick. He was extremely close to his parents. He loved his mother’s cooking, especially her chicken and dressing. He and his father were very close – the best of friends. They enjoyed spending time together and making special memories.

His friends and family have described him as loving, loyal, kind, very generous, genuine and full of charisma. He put you at ease, even if he didn’t know you well. He will be greatly missed.

He is survived by his wife of 18 years, Lana Gaye Carney of Osceola, Arkansas; one daughter, Amanda Miller (and Travis) of Memphis, Tennessee; two sons, David Randall Carney and Luke Wesson Carney of Osceola; three granddaughters, Addi Grace, Livi, and Mili; his parents, Tommy and Mabelee Carney of Blytheville; three brothers, Joe Carney (and Vickie) of Thayer Missouri, his twin brother, Rick Carney (and Teresa) of Sadler, Texas, Alan Carney (and Beverly) of Mountain Home, Arkansas; one sister, Susan Myers (and Ronnie) of Blytheville; numerous nieces and nephews; his best friend, Danny Joe Smithey (and Stefanie) of Osceola; and a host of friends that he loved dearly.

Visitation will be on Friday evening 5:00-8:00 p.m. at Carney Funeral Home in Blytheville. Funeral services are scheduled for Saturday, August 12th, beginning at 2:00 p.m. at First Baptist Church in Osceola with Rev. Rick Carney and Rev. Jason Glenn officiating. Interment to follow at Carney Cemetery in Blytheville. There will be a visitation beginning at 1:00 p.m. prior to the service. Memorials may be offered to Lung Cancer Society, American Diabetes Association, or the charity of your choice.