Randall L. Staley

Randall L. Staley, age 83, of Washington Township, passed away peacefully on Friday June 30, 2023, at Hospice of Dayton. His early years were spent in Miamisburg, where he was born on February 11, 1940, to Laura M. Willis. While at Miamisburg High School, Randy achieved the honor of becoming the Drum Major for the marching band. As Drum Major, he showcased his early leadership skills and his excitement for music. Little did anyone know where Randy’s musical skills would take him. As the bass guitarist for The Decades (The Rock-Its), he shared his musical talent from 1956 to 2006. Randy was a fan favorite known for his showstopping ability to jump high in the air and land in the splits as fans squealed in excitement. As a member of the band, Randy left his mark in rock and roll history by stepping on to the legendary American Bandstand stage and performing for fans all over the country. His musical career highlights went to the next level when the band had the incredible opportunity to play with rock and roll legend, Buddy Holly. Shortly after high school, Randy joined the U. S. Air Force in 1962, where he honorably served his country with active duty service and, then transitioned to reserve duty with the National Guard until 1968. After his military service, Randy came back home to Miamisburg where he settled into the community. He was employed at Mound Laboratories as Safety Director from 1965 to 1970. His commitment to public safety led him to accept the position as Fire Chief for the Washington Township Fire Department in 1970. Randy’s career as Fire Chief would span more than 25 years until he retired in 1996. Throughout his service as Fire Chief, he led his staff through countless emergencies, displaying tenacity and determination to grow the organization into a thoroughly prepared community resource. Chief Staley was known to give those who demonstrated passion and a willingness to learn, a chance to work on his team. He included women in fire service when it wasn’t the popular thing to do. There are numerous leaders in the fire service, who cut their teeth under Chief Staley’s guidance. He was unwavering in his dedication and support of his fire family and serving the community. Although Randy was deeply rooted in the Washington Township and Miamisburg communities, his impact extended far beyond the Dayton Ohio area. He was proud to teach others as an adjunct professor at Texas A & M University from 1972 until 2022. He passionately shared his knowledge with countless individuals and mentored them in their professional growth. Randy’s dedication to empowering others earned him tremendous respect within the fire family. Teaching gave him great satisfaction and he appreciated knowing he was growing the skills of service in the next generation. Randy’s networking and community ties ran deep. He actively gave his talents and time to numerous community organizations, including the American Legion Post 165, the International Association of Fire Chiefs, the Miamisburg Historical Society, the Sons of the Union Veterans of the Civil War, and the Miamisburg Moose Lodge 1645. Randy exemplified service and worked tirelessly for the betterment of the communities where he lived and worked. Most recently, he was honored in serving as Grand Marshall of the Miamisburg Memorial Day Parade this year. A man who was blessed with many loves, there was none greater than his love for his family. He was preceded in death by his mother Laura M. Willis and his sister Mary Ann Willis. Randy is survived by his loving wife, of almost thirty years, Melanie; daughters Diana Staley McGlothin and Deborah Staley Kinderdine (Charlie Anderson); half-brother Bill Willis; stepsons Michael (Deb) Wise and Steve (Jennifer) Wise; grandchildren Lindsey Caupp; Michael McGlothin, Zachary McGlothin, Carmen Fogle; Noah Kinderdine; and 12 great grandchildren. Family will greet friends 4:00 pm-8:00 pm on Tuesday July 11th at Centerville Community Church, 10688 Dayton Lebanon Pike, Centerville. Funeral Services will be held at 11:00 am on Wednesday July 12, 2023, at Centerville Community Church, with Washington Township Fire Department Chaplain Adam Forbes officiating. Burial will follow at Centerville Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to Hospice of Dayton in Randy’s memory. Randy truly lived an extraordinary life. He left an indelible impact on his community and countless people across the country. Randy was well loved and will be greatly missed. May his memory continue to inspire passion and a spirit of community service. The Final Legacy is entrusted with arrangements. Words of encouragement may be sent to www.reislegacycenter.com.

Randall L. Staley

February 11, 1940 - June 30, 2023