Captain Randell E. Willmon passed away on Thursday, March 15, 2018, at his home in Lindale, Texas. He was 53 years old. Randy was born in Seville, Spain, where he lived for a short while until his Air Force family eventually relocated to Texas. He graduated high school in Mesquite, Texas.

He later joined the Dallas Fire Department family, where he served for over 28 years, including 14 years as a paramedic. Not only was Randy a captain for the Dallas Fire Department, he also served as an officer for the Lindale Volunteer Fire Department for over nine years. He was on the wildland team and worked at a special ops station for swift water rescue. Captain Willmon epitomized what a firefighter should be.

He became an advocate for making safety changes and promoting awareness of occupational cancer. He helped make a video for Dallas Fire Department, which was shown to all Dallas Fire Department personnel and is shown to all rookies while in school. It was his hope that no other fireman would have to go through cancer again.

He was strong in his faith and a proud member of the Community Christian Fellowship Church of Lindale.

He was class personified. His faith and family were by far the two most important things to him. He was truly the complete package in every way. His priorities were in order. He led by example, stood his ground, and would tell you like it is. This man was a wise leader, sensitive but strong, considerate, honorable, thoughtful, with a great sense of humor. He could do anything. If you needed a house built, call Randy. If you needed to find a deal on something, call Randy. Advice, call Randy. He was truly admired and respected.

Randy loved his family with all his heart. He was so proud of his boys and daily told stories about them. They enjoyed hunting, fishing, hiking, skiing, and many other activities together. He lit up when he talked about his grandkids; they were his world, and he loved sharing stories and pictures of them every day. But most importantly, he loved his wife. Anytime he spoke of her you could just see how happy he was and, oh, how he looked forward to their nights out dancing.

Family members left to cherish his memory included his loving wife, two sons and daughters-in-law, his parents, a sister, a brother, and three grandchildren.

He will be missed by his family, friends, Lindale Volunteer Fire Department, and Dallas Fire Department.