Randy Lee Hankins

Randy Lee Hankins, a beloved husband, father, grandfather, brother, friend, and cherished member of his community, passed away on August 27, 2026, while on vacation in upper Michigan, just three days shy of his 70th birthday. Randy was born in Lansing, Michigan, on August 30, 1956, to Marvin and Evelyn Hankins. Throughout his nearly seven decades of life, Randy touched countless people with his laughter, kindness, humor, generosity, and genuine love of being around others.

Randy was a man who believed that life was meant to be lived fully. He was community-minded, family-oriented, and always ready to share a laugh, tell a story, sing a song, or lend a hand. He had a large sense of humor and an even larger laugh, one that was unmistakably Randy and could often be heard before he entered a room. He had a special way of making people feel welcome, and he was happiest when surrounded by family, friends, and people he cared about.

Above all else, Randy was proud of his family. He was a devoted husband to his beloved wife, Sandra K. (Cook) Garvie. Their relationship was an important part of his life, and Randy was proud of Sandy and grateful for the life they shared together. He was a proud and loving father to Cassandra Hankins, Mark Hankins, Jason Garvie and Justin (Jessica) Garvie. His children were an important source of pride and joy, and he cherished watching them grow and create lives of their own.

Randy was also a proud grandfather to Nicki LaValley, Allison Garvie, Aaron Garvie, Rowan Garvie and Noah Livingston. His grandchildren held a special place in his heart, and he was grateful for every opportunity to spend time with them, share memories, and watch them grow. Family was never something Randy took for granted. He understood the importance of the people who stood beside him throughout life, and he treasured the connections he had with those he loved.

Randy often spoke with pride about how far he had come in life. He was grateful that he had the ability to raise himself up throughout the years and build a life through determination, hard work, perseverance, and his own unique strength of character. His journey was not simply about where he started, but about the person he chose to become. Randy knew that life could present challenges, but he also knew the importance of continuing forward, finding something to laugh about, helping others, and appreciating the people who mattered most.

Those who knew Randy well will remember that he was, in his own words, “cute.” In fact, one of his favorite sayings was simply, “I’m cute.” It was perfectly Randy – confident, playful, and always delivered with the kind of humor that could make people smile. He never seemed to take himself too seriously, and he had a remarkable ability to find humor in everyday situations.

His sense of humor was one of his defining characteristics. Randy loved making people laugh, and he had a natural gift for bringing lightness into a room. His big laugh became part of his identity, and friends and family will undoubtedly hear it in their memories for years to come. He was happy around people and enjoyed the simple pleasure of conversation, companionship, music, and sharing experiences.

Music was another important part of Randy’s life. He formerly sang in a barbershop quartet in Lansing, Michigan, and his love of singing eventually became part of his working life as well. During his years as a driver for EATRAN, he became known affectionately as the “singing bus driver.” It was a fitting nickname for a man who loved music and loved making people smile. He was proud to become an IT support person to the State of Michigan, ending his career with the Michigan State Police with a specialty in lien and cyber crimes.

Randy enjoyed music from many different eras and especially loved the Beach Boys and Jimmy Buffett. Their music reflected some of the things he enjoyed most – fun, freedom, friendship, summer, and living in the moment. Whether he was singing, listening to his favorite songs, or enjoying karaoke, music was one of the ways Randy connected with people.

Randy also had a genuine passion for fishing. There was something about being outdoors, enjoying the water, and taking time away from the rush of everyday life that appealed to him. Fishing gave him an opportunity to relax, spend time with others, and enjoy one of the simple pleasures of life.

Another interest that reflected Randy’s personality was his love of coins and “numismatics.” He appreciated the history and stories behind coins and enjoyed the hobby as both a collector and an enthusiast. His interests were varied, and he had a natural curiosity that led him toward technology, history, cars, music, community projects, and many other things.

Randy had a special fondness for his “Black Mustang,” which was another reflection of his personality and his love of cars. He enjoyed being part of the car community and was past president and membership director of the Charlotte Cruisers Car Club and past president of the Jaycees. Cruising, and the friendships that developed around those interests gave Randy yet another way to be with all the people he cared about.

Randy is survived by wife, Sandy Garvie; children, Cassandra Hankins, Mark Hankins, Jason Garvie, Justin (Jessica) Garvie; grandchildren, Nicki, Allison, Aaron, Rowan, Draco, Memphis, Evelyn, and Ethan; siblings: Ronald Hankins, Darlene Keshick; many nieces and nephews; and extended family, Tony and JoDee Pruden, Kelly and Stan Karamol, and Kent and Teresa MacDonald. He was preceded in death by siblings, Marvin Hankins, Wayne Hankins, Karen Tate, Suzan Tyler, and Delores Tyler; and his parents.

Friends are encouraged to support Randy’s family by sharing memories on his Tribute Page at www.prayfuneral.com. Visitation will be held on Wednesday, Sept. 9, from 2 to 4 p.m. and 6 to 8 p.m. at Pray Funeral Home in Charlotte. Funeral services will be on Thursday, Sept. 10, at 2 p.m. at Pray Funeral Home with Pastors Charles Jenson and John Messner officiating. The funeral will be webcast so you may watch it from any computer, smartphone, or mobile device that has internet access. Go to www.prayfuneral.com, click on Randy’s tribute, then click on Photos and Videos from your computer (or Media from your smartphone). If desired the family suggests memorial contributions to Helping Hands Food Pantry and the Michigan Heart Association. The family are in the care of Pray Funeral Home.