Randal “Randy” Clay Crockett

Randal Clay Crockett (Randy), 61, of Big Spring, passed away peacefully June 8, 2022 after a brief illness and a diagnosis of malignant brain tumor, glioblastoma multiforme. He was a beloved father, respected businessman and Christian.

Randy was born in Big Spring, Texas on June 18, 1960, the son of Donald E. Crockett, Sr., a public school administrator and Norma Jean Boyle, an elementary school librarian and homemaker. He attended Big Spring public schools and graduated from Big Spring High School in 1978. He attended and graduated from Angelo State University in 1984 with a BA in Marketing and then worked for American Petrofina in sales and marketing for several years. After leaving FINA, he became a successful small business owner and owned and operated several convenience stores and restaurants in Big Spring and Howard County, including Kate’s Finamart, Fat Boy’s Convenience and Buffalo Country Fina. He operated Buffalo County for many years, selling it in 2016. Since that time, he was the owner/operator of the historic Wagon Wheel Drive-In restaurant in Big Spring which appeared on The Texas Bucket List television series in 2017. He was known for giving back to his community and he and his business sponsored countless events and fundraisers over the years.

Randy had a keen interest in sports, especially baseball and golf. He played for the Big Spring Steer baseball team while in high school and was a member of several Little League and Pony League teams while growing up. But the sport he really loved was golf. After taking lessons from his father at an early age, he went on to play for his high school golf team and later became a regular on the local Comanche Trails and Big Spring Country Club golf courses, often times playing with his dogs riding along. He won the City Championship at Comanche Trails in 1992. He was never happier than when he was on the golf course. Whether it was in a friendly game with family and friends or attending the US Open and The Masters, golf was a significant part of his life and a great source of joy.

It was no secret that Randy had a huge and sentimental attachment to his family and he often said that being a father was his biggest accomplishment. He felt blessed to have a daughter and a son. They were a great source of pride to him and he always wanted to share stories of their latest accomplishments with everyone. He was proud that so many of his nieces and nephews would take summer jobs at his businesses or golf lessons from him after hours. Randy loved music, which was an expression of his emotion and individuality. Holidays were special to him, a trait that he readily admitted that he received from his parents. All of his family knew him as a wonderful “kid” with a warm sense of humor, a soft heart, a terrific tease and everybody’s favorite Uncle and Brother-in-Law. We will remember him always with a tear in our eye, a smile, a laugh, but most importantly with warmth, love and affection in our hearts.

Randy’s life would seem too short to many, but those who knew him understood that the quality of existence far exceeds the quantity of time in which one lives.

Proverbs 4:11-12 “I will guide you in the way of wisdom and I will lead you in upright paths. When you walk, your steps will not be hampered, and when you run, you will not stumble.”

He is survived by his mother, Norma Crockett of Big Spring as well as his children Katie Lynn Crockett of Big Spring and son, Benjamin James Crockett of Austin. Also surviving him are his brother Dr. Don Crockett and his wife Sandra of Midland and sister Caren Greathouse and her husband Kenneth of Big Spring. Survivors also include nephew Lee Marshall and wife Emily of Buda and niece Norma Jean Sleeman and husband Dan of Dallas. Also, nephews Jeremy Yeats of Big Spring, Matthew Yeats and wife Janie of Big Spring and Brandon Greathouse and wife Sarah of Big Spring, five great-nephews and six great nieces. He is survived by his long-time business partner and true friend Salittia Brehm, dear friend Jerry Price, and of course, he is survived by his 3 dogs, his constant companions Brodie, Ray and Gracie.

Throughout his illness, Randy and our family experienced a truly tremendous outpouring of concern, love and affection from many of his closest friends, several of whom traveled long distances to see him during his final days. We are tremendously grateful.

The family would like to recognize and acknowledge the excellent care that Randy received at Midland memorial Hospital, especially the ICU and Neuro staff and nurses. We would also like to thank Drs. Allen Gibson and John Dorman at MMH for their kindness and expertise. The family would also like to thank all of his caregivers in Big Spring.

Memorial services will be held at 3:30 pm Friday, June 10, 2022 at the Nalley-Pickle & Welch Rosewood Chapel, 906 S. Gregg St., Big Spring, TX.

In lieu of flowers, the family suggests a donation in Randy’s name to The First Tee (firsttee.org), The Happy Day Human Society in Big Spring, or the National Brain Tumor Society (donations@braintumor.org).

Arrangements are under the direction of Nalley-Pickle & Welch Funeral Home and Crematory. Online condolences can be made at www.npwelch.com

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