Obituary of Randy Leifheit

Randall James (but always referred to as ‘Randy’— that is, when not being called ‘Dad,’ or ‘Grandpa’) Leifheit, 66, went to be with the Lord on Sunday, June 16, 2024, after a short and courageous fight with pancreatic cancer. 

Born in Dubuque, IA to the late Leland Frederick ‘Lee’ Leifheit, Sr. and Judith Carol ‘Judy’ Nowlin Leifheit, he went on to marry Rebecca Marie ‘Becky’ Sanderson Leifheit, to whom he was happily married for 44 years. Together they raised three daughters in Illinois before eventually moving south to Tennessee and then on to South Carolina. Though he was born in the Midwest, Randy was a Southerner at heart.

Always a diligent worker and always forward-thinking, Randy entered the computer science field early, going on to found and operate the testing equipment distribution company Metkon USA. Outside of work, he was a man of many hobbies, and at first glance an obituary seems too short a medium for a list that includes cycling (both road and mountain, in addition to watching the Classics and Grand Tours on TV and occasionally in person), cooking, baking (bread was his specialty), astrophotography, competitive running, gardening, shooting, fishing, music, reading, and camping. Both Randy and Becky enjoyed traveling together in their RV, as well as the occasional trip to Europe (Ireland was their special place). Randy loved children and was a cherished grandpa to his three grandchildren. Very tellingly, the grand-dogs adored him, too.

Above all, Randy was a steadfast man of principle and integrity, loved and respected by colleagues and family alike. He was also a man of faith, drawing great peace and strength from his relationship with God throughout his fight with cancer. His faith never wavered. 

Surviving—in addition to his beloved wife—are three daughters, Rhiannon Tyndell (with husband Drew), Ashley Smith (with husband Danny), and Lauren Winter (with husband Neil) and his grandchildren, Jack Smith (with wife Ellen), Stella Smith, and Ada Winter. Randy is also survived by his siblings, including four brothers Kevin Leifheit, Todd Leifheit, Shawn Leifheit (with wife Cristine), and Lee Leifheit, Jr. (with wife Erinn), as well as sister Heidi Leifheit-Signoracci. His Australian Shepherd Belle also feels his loss daily.

A Celebration of Randy’s Life will be held at 3 o’clock Sunday, June 30th, in the Chapel of Brookwood Church, officiated by Rev. David Hardy. The family will receive friends immediately following the service. Burial was held in Highland Home Church Cemetery.

Memorials can be made in his honor to Friends of the Greenville County Guardian Ad Litem Program at P.O. Box 5574 Greenville, SC 29606-5574.