Randall K. Smith

Born on Jan. 19, 1959 in Rock Island, Illinois. Parents were John and Roberta Smith. Randy grew up in a large family. Devoted Christians, John & Roberta raised their children in the way of the Lord, as John was a preacher, and Mom played the piano in their church. Their family had scant monetary riches, but had riches in love. He had a typical Mid-west childhood playing baseball and riding his bike all over the place (including some places he wasn’t supposed to go to.)

When Randy was in junior high, his family moved to Colorado, where he graduated from high school. He had aspirations of being a fire fighter, but life took him in another direction and carpentry became his trade. He built many houses and honed his skills over the years. In 1983, Randy’s son Michael was born in Austin. When the housing market slowed down, he and his older brother, John, came to the Belton area for work. After moving to Stillhouse, he was invited to join the volunteer fire department, which led to EMS certification, and then Paramedic certification.

In 1992, Randy married Elizabeth Evans, and became “Pops” to her two children, Sara and Tony. He took on the roll of “Pops” with ease. In February of 1993, Randy was hired on to the Temple Fire Department, and he was finally able to pursue his dream, as both a fire fighter and a paramedic. Since Randy and Elizabeth lived in Belton, he was also recruited to be a volunteer for Belton FD. Randy absolutely loved being a fire fighter and a Paramedic. The day he found out that he would finally be promoted to Captain there was cheering in the home because the words “hush, Pops is studying for the Captain’s Exam” would never have to be uttered again! Even when on vacation, his vocation was on call. A child who stepped off a curb, tripped and fell busting out two of his front teeth in Ketchican, Alaska, got his tender care until the FD there was able to respond. While vacationing in Germany, not only did the fire department pick the family up from the Munich airport, but then he was invited to participate in fire training by the local village fire department. They were so thrilled to be getting advice and information from a professional.

He had every certification available except Swift Water Rescue. Took every class that was offered and was President of the Local Union for the Department. Every task that was put in front of him was received in the spirit of service. He retired after 25 years of service to the citizens of Temple. It was said on the day of his retirement that there wasn’t a station in Temple that didn’t have his carpentry marks on it! Something he was proud of.

Randy made many friends while doing carpentry jobs: fixing door frames, adding room additions, outdoor kitchens, decks, kitchen remodels, the list goes on and on. He custom built most of the furniture in the home. His nickname at home was “Handy Randy”.

After retiring from the fire service, Randy followed his second dream of being a railroad conductor. He went through the training, got hired and spent two years “riding the rails”, loving every minute of it. He left after the frustration of constant furloughs. He had to be working, and had to feel like he was contributing. While a little disappointing, he was still glad that he had the chance to work for BNSF.

Randy had a fierce love of dogs, and was the master at spoiling them. He was the guy that would find the neighborhood strays, making it his mission to find their homes. Sometimes those stray and lost dogs would just walk into Randy and Elizabeth’s yard, and even their house, and look at him as if to say, “hey there, you’ll help me find my home, right?”

Randy and Elizabeth spent 33 years together until the early morning of May 31, 2025 when his life was cut short in an auto collision. They were headed out of town to start a vacation to California and Alaska. The void left by his absence is huge and can only be filled with the grace and peace of our Lord.

He was preceded in death by his parents, his brother, Bob, and sisters, Rosie and Barbara.

He is survived by his wife, his son Michael ( Jess), daughter, Sara Guy ( Colin), and son Tony Rovetto. He is also survived by grandchildren, Abram Rovetto, Axton Rovetto, Ash Guy, Colette Rovetto and Isaac Smith; his sister, Roberta Rader ( Dale), his brothers: John ( Lynda), David, Rick ( Linda), Ben ( Jeannie), and Marvin ( Kari), his mother-in-law Judy Evans, extended family in Germany, Charlie his faithful pup, and countless friends....who will all miss him.

Randy had a strong faith, and we get take comfort at in the belief that at the moment he left this mortal coil, he was greeted by his parents and siblings, and other friends who had gone on before him. We rejoice that he is safe in the presence of God.

Visitation will be Saturday, June 7 from 5 to 7 p.m. at Dossman Funeral Home. Memorial Service will be Sunday, June 8 at 2 p.m. at Belton First United Methodist Church with Rev. Darren Walker officiating. Temple FD Honor Guard will be in attendance. Reception will follow in the Family Life Center after the service.

Memorials can be made to your local animal shelter, Helping Hands Ministry of Belton, and Habitat for Humanity, to honor his love of animals, his heart of giving and his love of building homes.