Rev. Randal Davis Dockins, Sr.

Obituary: Concord, NC- Rev. Randal Davis Dockins, Sr., age 77, was called home to be with Jesus on Wednesday, November 3, 2010 at The Oaks at Town Center, Harrisburg, NC after a period of declining health. He was born August 12, 1933 in Bradley County, Tennessee, the son of the late Artice Shields Dockins and Ida Mae Lyles Dockins. After servicing in the U.S. Army National Guard during the Korean Conflict, Rev. Dockins came home and went to work with Bowater Paper Corp. It was during that time that he was called to preach. He completed his high school education and enrolled in college. He graduated from Carson-Newman College and earned his master's degree in industrial psychology from the University of Tennessee. His honorary doctorate was bestowed upon him by the All India Prayer Fellowship. He was licensed to preach in 1958 and ordained in 1959. After serving as pastor of five churches in Tennessee, he decided to serve as interim pastor for churches seeking a new pastor. Over the years he taught school, had been a high school principal, and worked with engineering firms. In 1979 he started his own firm, Central Technical Services and sold it in 1988. He served as interim pastor of 40 plus churches since 1968. He was a loving and dedicated husband of 40 years to Betty. He made 10 trips to India to preach and hold crusades. In 1993 a conference center was named in his honor in the city of Triovandrum, India. It is called the Randal Dockins Centre for Evangelism. Randal never met a stranger. He loved to have a good time and he loved people. In addition to his parents he is preceded in death by one sister, Edith Dockins Morrow; and three brothers, Harry Dockins, James Dockins, and Franklin Dockins. The funeral service will be 2:00 P.M. Saturday, November 6, 2010 at Centerview Baptist Church, Kannapolis, NC officiated by Rev. Willie Rash. Entombment will follow at Carolina Memorial Park Plaza Mausoleum. The family will receive friends from 6:00 to 8:00 P.M. Friday, November 5, 2010 at Whitley's Funeral Home, Kannapolis, NC. Survivors include his wife, Betty Gladden Dockins; one son, Randal Davis Dockins, Jr. of Dalton, GA; a sister, Joyce Dockins Davis & husband, Bill of Etowah, TN; a brother, Glen Dockins & wife, Evanell of Athen, TN; and a half-sister, Mary Jane Dockins of Cleveland, TN.
Visitation: 6-8:00 P.M. Friday Nov. 5, 2010 at Whitley's Funeral Home

Service: 2:00 P.M. Saturday, Nov. 6, 2010 at Centerview Baptist Ch.

Interment: Carolina Mem. Park