Randal E. Cavins

Randal E. Cavins, 88, of Carterville, passed away Thursday, June 20, 2019, at his home, surrounded by his family.

Funeral services will be held at 11:00 a.m., Monday, June 24, 2019, at First Baptist Church in Carterville, with Rev. Brad Harlow officiating. Burial will be in North Oakwood Cemetery in Carterville. Visitation will begin at 6:00 p.m., Sunday, at Riggin-Pillatsch & Burke Funeral Home in Carterville.

Memorial contributions can be made to First Baptist Church of Carterville or to Hospice of Southern Illinois.  

Randal was born December 10, 1930, in St. Johns, Illinois, to Randal H. and Marjorie C. (Davison) Cavins. He married Sue Wenzel on September 8, 1950, in Carterville.

He is survived by his loving wife of 68 years, Sue Cavins of Carterville; daughters, Debra S. Futrell of Carterville, Rita J. Cook of Carterville, Sarah E. Vannoy of Phoenix, Arizona, and Judith L. (Dennis) Sullivan of Broken Arrow, Oklahoma; son, Mark W. Cavins of Herrin; 15 grandchildren; 24 great-grandchildren; one great great-granddaughter; and a host of friends.

Randal was preceded in death by his parents; son, Randal Jay Cavins; brothers, Conrad "Connie" and Robert "Bob" Cavins; son-in-law, William Cook Jr.; grandson, Scott Cavins; granddaughter, Tara Cook.

During his early years of raising a family of six children, Randal held down multiple jobs at a time to make ends meet. He worked for New Era Dairy from 1948-1962. He also worked retail clothing in the afternoon at his family's clothing store then he sold insurance at night. Randal has a Real Estate career that spans over 50 years. He began as an agent for Gentry Realty in Carterville (1965-1991) then as an agent for Dave Thompson Realty in Marion.

Randal has always assumed a responsibility toward commitment and work ethic. His accomplishments are many: Egyptian Board of Realtors (1977-1980, 1984-1987); President of Egyptian Board of Realtors (1980); District Vice President of Illinois Realtors Association (1981); Carterville City Council (1961-1969); Chairman of Planning Commission; Co-founder and co-owner with his dad and brother of Cavins Clothing Mart (1960's); member and past President of Carterville Merchants Association; member of Carterville First Baptist Church (1946-present) where he faithfully served as a deacon; life member of Carterville Lions Club and past President (1964-1965); original member and Vice President and President of board of directors of the Williamson County Crimestoppers.

His hobbies included supporting the SIU Salukis, playing golf and gardening. Many people in Carterville have had the pleasure of receiving the overflow of some of  Randal's "How Sweet It Is" corn or his succulent tomatoes.

The most treasured part of his life is his experience with the Lord, Jesus Christ. Randal frequently said, "it's a man's relationship with the Good Lord that says it all. If your life doesn't show you're a Christian by how you act and what you say, then life is for nothing." His whole life is a testimony to that adage. His integrity and his living testimony speaks volumes.

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