Claude Randall “Randy,” better known to most folks as “Papa Randy,” Dilling, age 70, of Simpsonville, SC, went to be with the Lord on Monday, February 9, 2026. Randy passed peacefully at his home, just where he wanted to be, surrounded by his wife, Wilma Dilling, and close, loving friends.

Randy was born in Gastonia, North Carolina, to the late William Austin Dilling and Gwendolyn Udine Clark Dilling. He was a longtime member of Cedar Falls Baptist Church and proudly served his community as a volunteer fireman with the Canebrake Fire Department—always ready to help when the call came in.

Randy was the kind of man who worked hard, loved harder, and lived life with grease on his hands and a grin on his face. He had a true gift for automotive body painting and repair and took great pride in opening his own business. If Randy touched it, you knew it was done right. He believed in honest work, showing up early, and seeing a job through to the end.

Racing was in his blood. Whether he was behind the wheel himself or sitting in the stands, Randy loved the roar of engines and the thrill of competition. When he was not working or racing, you could usually find him camping or fishing with family and friends—telling stories, laughing loud, and soaking in the simple joys of life.

The lake and the ocean were where Randy felt most at peace. Fishing on the water gave him a sense of freedom and calm that stayed with him. That same free spirit showed up every time he climbed on his Harley Davidson and headed down the open road, wind in his face.

Randy was preceded in death by his father, William Austin Dilling; his mother, Gwendolyn Udine Dilling; and his brother, William Henry Dilling III.

Those left behind to cherish his memory in addition to his wife of 36 years Wilma Dilling is his stepson Andrew Levon Faust, Jr. “Linn” and wife Lisa of Greenville, South Carolina; granddaughter Brooklin Dalton and great grandchildren Rhea, Aiden, and Ronin Andrew of Greenville South Carolina; granddaughter Kassidy Faust of Greenville, South Carolina and grandson Garrett Faust of Greenville South Carolina; stepdaughter Kimberly Bull and husband Kevin of Saint Augustine Beach, Florida; grandsons Jackson Bull and Reece Bull of Saint Augustine Beach, Florida; his fishing buddies Kelly and Frank and racing buddy Wesley and many other friends and family.

A celebration of Randy’s life will begin at 1:00pm on Wednesday February 18 at Cedar Falls Baptist Church. The family will receive friends for one hour prior to the service (12-1pm). Lunch will follow the service.

Randy will be remembered as a good man, a hard worker, a loyal friend, and someone who lived life his way—full throttle, full heart, and always true to himself.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made in Randy’s honor to Cedar Falls Baptist Church at 100 Cedar Falls Rd., Fountain Inn 29644.