Randi Karlin Walker's Obituary
Randi Karlin Walker, 59, of Albemarle, passed away in his sleep on August 14, 2025, after doing what he was so often remembered for, helping a friend.
Randi’s life was defined by determination, humor, and heart. He was born in Centralia, Washington, and adopted shortly after by his loving parents, Ollie and Ann. From there, life carried him all over, from his first home with them in Alaska, to Japan, and eventually to Albemarle, with many more stops along the way during his years of service in the U.S. Air Force as an aircraft mechanic. His time in the military fueled not only his love of travel, but also his deep appreciation for camaraderie and lasting friendship.
After the Air Force, Randi returned to his lifelong passion: working with cars. For decades, he owned and operated The Jalopy Shop, a local automotive repair shop where he became the trusted hometown mechanic for countless neighbors and friends. Known for his resilience and his gift for solving problems, he brought both determination and creativity to every engine he touched. When he wasn’t under the hood, he was often hunting down parts for his next muscle car restoration project, most especially his prized Hemi Cuda.
Those who knew Randi best saw not just his skill, but his humor, tenderness, and love of life. On fall mornings, he could be found in his deer stand, waiting patiently for the perfect buck. On weekends, mornings were reserved for watching cartoons with his daughters when they were young. And at any time, he might be found befriending a new critter, despite the running joke that he was allergic to just about all of them.
In the end, it was two miniature doodles who became his loyal companions and the light of his life, second only to his beloved daughters, Kristi and Brandi. To them and to many others, he was a steady source of encouragement, teaching that joy mattered just as much as hard work.
Randi’s legacy lives on in every laugh shared, every problem solved, and every bond built. He is deeply loved.
The family will receive friends from 12 p.m. to 1 p.m. on Saturday, August 30, 2025, at Stanly Funeral and Cremation Care in Albemarle. Funeral service, officiated by Pastor Ron Loflin will be at 1 p.m. in the Stanly Funeral Home Chapel. Burial will follow in Fairview Memorial Park.
In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the family’s "K9s for Warriors" Fundraiser (https://gofund.me/206f54b8), a cause chosen in Randi’s honor that reflects his love for dogs and the support they bring to veterans like him.
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