By Robert Hudson

The Selma Times-Journal

The city of Selma lost a long-time educator and com-munity activist this week.

Sam-uel Ran-dolph, Sr. passed away at the age of 75 on Tuesday. Randolph was best known as an educator having taught at Selma University for 32 years. Randolph served as the Chairman of the Department of Business and Veterans Coordinator at Selma University.

Randolph’s daughter, Sandra Williams, said her father was a very outreach-oriented person.

“He believed in helping people who were in need,” Williams said. “He would visit the sick. Whatever he could do, he’d help other people.”

Williams said her father’s emphasis on education inspired his entire family.

“My dad was the first person in his family to graduate from college,” Williams said. “As a result of him graduating college, he encouraged all of his nieces and nephews to attend college. That was one reason why we had so many college graduates in our family.”

Randolph’s son and City Council Representative Sam Randolph, Jr. said his father was the type of person to help anyone in need.

“My dad was the type of person who couldn’t tell anybody no,” Randolph, Jr. said. “He believed in helping all citizens. He was just a caring person. He loved Selma University and he loved the city of Selma. He just wanted to see everyone be successful in life.”

Randolph also served as a deacon and Sunday School teacher at Morning Star Baptist Church and as the Corresponding Secretary of the Laymen of the Southwest District State Association.

Randolph is also the father of Selma City School Board member Brenda Obomanu, Rev. Marvin Randolph, Cheryl Randolph and Derrick Randolph.

Randolph is the grandfather of Seattle Seahawks wide receiver Ben Obomanu.