• Stephanie Chastain

The Caretaker of the Mountains: Randy’s Story of Service

Marshall, NC - Ministry doesn’t always happen behind a pulpit. For Randy, a resident of Marshall, NC, it took on a different form entirely. In 1972, he began his journey as a cadet in The Salvation Army, with plans to dedicate his life to ministry and service. But God had other plans. Randy left the academy and returned home, where his dream of serving his community remained strong.

Instead of the traditional path, Randy bought a dive bar, T-Birds, and transformed it into a family-friendly gathering spot for his neighbors. Over the years, Randy became a cornerstone of the community, a friend to people from all over the country who passed through the mountains of North Carolina.

When Hurricane Helene hit his small town, Randy knew exactly what to do. Donations poured into T-Birds from all across the country: generators, tents, camping stoves, diapers, pet food, chainsaws, and more. With everything his community needed to rebuild, Randy distributed these supplies to anyone who needed help.

In the aftermath of the storm, Salvation Army volunteers arrived in the area looking for a place to serve hot meals. Locals pointed them in one direction: “You oughta talk to Randy.” When the Salvation Army canteen pulled up to T-Birds, Randy welcomed them with open arms.

“I love the Army,” Randy shared. “I rang bells for them at Christmas. They sent me to camp. I’ll never forget that experience.” Even after all these years, Randy fondly recalls his time as a kid at the local corps, referring to the Officers and Soldiers as family.

Randy never has a shortage of friends—or "family," as he calls the people around him. In his community, he's affectionately known as the "caretaker of the mountains," always ready to serve, always welcoming with a kind heart.

Matthew 25:40 – "The King will reply, ‘Truly I tell you, whatever you did for one of the least of these brothers and sisters of mine, you did for me.’"