Randy “Top” Markham, a larger-than-life figure, dedicated patriot, and grateful man left this world on Friday, June 18, 2021, at his home. Randy was born in 1954 in Lansing, Michigan, the son of the late Maynard K. and Marilyn J. Markham. He grew up in Bath on a small farm and attended Bath High School. From a young age he was an outstanding athlete excelling at football, basketball, and golf. Playing on a championship basketball team his senior year and was selected to play on the all-county basketball team. Upon graduating from high school, he attended Michigan State University on an academic scholarship and remained an avid MSU Spartan fan.

Randy’s twenty-year military career culminated in his appointment as First Sergeant of the Headquarters Company of the United States Army Intelligence and Security Command. Subsequent to his military career, he was a consultant at the National-Geospatial Intelligence Agency. Randy was a member of the Riverton United Methodist Church, the Shenandoah Valley Golf Club, and the American Legion.

Randy was everything to his family—the bedrock upon which they depended. To his sisters, his charisma and storytelling were some of his best qualities. He was never shy to mediate family disputes, showing his love and pride of his family and most recently his role as a granddad. Randy married Tammy A. L. Markham on December 23, 1993, in Alexandria, Virginia. Surviving along with his wife, Tammy, are his daughter, Seana Markham (Lee Garris) of Middletown, Virginia; sons, Bradley Markham of Alexandria, Virginia,  A.J. Myrick and Jay (Katie) Selby both of Charleston, South Carolina; grandchildren, Colin Markham, Abigail Garris, and Charli Garris; and sisters, Melinda (Mike) Phillips and Cynthia (Rob) Collett and many other family members.

Throughout his life, Randy was guided by his sense of inner purpose. Like his favorite author and poet Jim Harrison wrote, “Some people hear their own inner voices with great clearness. And they live by what they hear.  Such people become crazy…or they become legends.” Randy became a legend.

Randy lived his life by listening to these voices despite what others said or did or if it was unpopular. By doing so, he had the confidence and ability to tackle many of life challenges. But more importantly, he was able to touch the lives of so many people who called him friend. He never had a contractor. or plumber. or barber, Randy had friends. He raised many kids, both his own and others. He was a basketball coach from elementary to high schoolers who long after still sought his counsel. His home was open to all.

Randy was known to be a man who was comfortable in his own person, which enabled him to confidently counsel both the Generals he served and the hundreds of soldiers who called him First Sargent while in the military, many who continued to seek his guidance for years. Randy’s home was open to them all. Randy’s Battalion Commander explained that Randy was “a gifted leader, meticulous organizer and exceptional athlete. He was blessed with a great sense of humility for all the natural gifts he possessed. Some guys with Randy’s degree of talent take command of the space around them, Randy simply opened up the space with light and warmth, a much quieter way of taking charge.” He was a role model for many.

Throughout First Sergeant Markham’s military service, he mentored literally thousands of Military Intelligence soldiers, served as a wise and dispassionate advisor to a succession of commanders, and unhesitatingly accepted responsibility of individually caring for each and every soldier under his command. Above all, he has always been a soldier’s soldier. His life of selfless sacrifice and unswerving commitment to duty truly merits the awards he received that include the Defense Meritorious Service Award, the Joint Service Commendation Medal, the National Defense Service Medal, and the Meritorious Service Medal.

Randy was the first enlisted man invited to play golf on an all Officer golf team the “Church Group” not only because he was a “gifted golfer, but a good guy.” As one of his golf buddies said, “He was such a humble man, I have seen him hit many golf balls a mile, right down the middle and not once did he brag.” His humility kept him quiet, but his strength and character made him strong. His strength and character made him an instrumental player in the establishment of the Military Intelligence Corps Association (MICA) Golf Tournament, a charity event that supports wounded warriors and many other programs within the greater military community. Today, The MICA tournament is in its 21^st year and continues raise money to support the rehabilitation of wounded warriors and provides academic scholarships for military intelligence soldiers and families. Serious golfers who played in the tournaments said there was nothing in the greater Northern Virginia area that compared to the MICA Golf Tournament. Randy belonged to the Potomac Chapter of the Military Intelligence Corps Association, which soon after his involvement became the most successful chapter. His never-ending dedication and efforts in planning and executing made this tournament wildly successful, and his talent in golf lead to his team consistently win the tournament!

He is a treasure and legend that will be greatly missed by all who had the pleasure to know this man.

A funeral service will be conducted on July 15, 2021 at 2:00 pm at Omps Funeral Home, South Chapel, with viewing occurring at 1:00 pm. A celebration of Randy’s life will follow the funeral service at Omps Funeral Home, 1260 Front Royal Pike, Winchester, VA 22602, 540-722-2400.

Memorial contributions in Randy’s memory may be made to Tunnel To Towers Foundation, 2361 Hylan Blvd, Staten Island, NY 10306