Celebrating the Life of Otelio Sye Randall, MD
Life Journey
Otelio Sye Randall, MD
Dr. Otelio Sye Randall, called OT by many, was born on November 30, 1937 in the very same house he grew up in Glen Flora, Texas. He was the seventh of nine children to JC and Sadie Randall.
Otelio was a devoted man to his family and friends. He accepted Christ at an early age and attended New Prosperity Baptist Church in Glen Flora, Texas, where he was baptized. Though many admired OT for his intelligence, he was a balanced and well-rounded man. He was a top-ranked miler on the track team, a member of the basketball team, and a member of the New Farmers of America Club at T.L. Pink High School where, in true OT style, he completed his high school studies in three years, graduating in 1956. His academic success did not end there as he matriculated at the prestigious Howard University in Washington, DC. There, he continued his trend of graduating early in 1960 with a Bachelor’s of Science degree in chemistry. In his quest to become a doctor, OT went on to study German and Biological Science at the University of Heidelberg in Germany before obtaining his Medical Degree in 1967 from the University of Michigan in Ann Arbor Michigan. It was in Ann Arbor where OT met his loving wife, Donna, while doing one of his favorite things, listening to jazz. Soon after that they married and started a family. Four children were born of this union, and he was a dedicated father to his son, Otelio (T for short, or Grey), and three daughters; Paula (PK), Karintha (Kari), and Cydnee.
Dedicated to his work and the field of science, he completed an internship at the State University of New York at Brooklyn. He subsequently completed residencies to complete studies in cardiovascular medicine, his area of specialization, at Baylor College of Medicine in Houston, TX and the University of Michigan at Ann Arbor. He enlisted and served as a Post Surgeon and Preventative Medicine Officer with the United States Army for two years before joining the faculty and staff at University of Michigan. OT remained at the University of Michigan for twelve years, including one year of sabbatical at the Free University of Amsterdam in the Netherlands, where he studied physiology. He subsequently served as a Fellow of Cardiology, the Assistant to the Dean of Medicine, a Professor of Medicine, and Director of the Coronary Care Unit upon his return to the University of Michigan.
It was always a dream for OT to work and give back to the community where he started his medical journey, and he did just that when he joined the faculty and staff at Howard University & Howard University Hospital for thirty-four years. There, he served as a Professor in the Medical School and the Graduate School of Arts & Sciences; Director, Hypertension Section/Division of Cardiovascular Diseases; Director, Howard University Hospital Coronary Intensive Care Unit; Director, Preventive Cardiology Program; Director, Preventive Cardiology/ Hyper-tension & Clinical Trials; Director, Cardiovascular Disease Prevention & Rehabilitation Center; Director, General Clinical Research Center; Director of the Capital City Research Center, and a Howard University Hospital Cardiologist where he practiced until he retired in 2018 at the age of 81.
As a physician, researcher, lecturer and professor, OT published countless articles, a healthy life-style cook book with his wife Donna, Menu for Life, and amassed numerous honors and awards over the years from hospitals where he worked, from medical organizations, and from pharmaceutical companies and peers alike. As a Principal Investigator on grants, he managed to secure more than $60 million in funding to advance cardiovascular research with emphasis on the Black community. He provided free medical physicals to junior high and high school students in Washington, D.C., who wanted to participate in sports but did not have the financial means to have them done. Each and every time he encountered a promising Black medical student he took him/her under his tutelage and encouraged them to stay the course. Many of them are still practicing medicine today. He focused on improving health for his community until the last day he practiced medicine, when he stopped and provided a consult to a former patient that approached him as he was walking out of the hospital doors. OT held a medical license in the states of Michigan, California, Texas and the District of Columbia. He was the first doctor to call in a prescription at the first of three Randall Pharmacies in California opened by his brother and best friend, Canoy. That prescription was for their beloved mother, Sadie.
Respected by, and a blessing to, many in the community, OT was an outstanding person and a fine example of who we should all aspire to be. He was a strong and great model as a husband, father, uncle, cousin, grandfather and friend to everyone blessed to have crossed his path. For all that knew the true Dr. Randall, second to his family and Glen Flora, Texas, his other love was walking the halls of Howard University Hospital at break-neck speed as he made early morning rounds teaching medical students, interns, residents, and fellows the Art of Medicine.
OT lived a good and gracious life. He departed our home on December 20, 2020, in a house on the very same family land where he was born and where he always said was where he loved and wanted to live out the remainder of his years. OT has made his way to his new heavenly home where he is welcomed by his parents JC and Sadie Randall; his brother and best friend Canoy Randall, and his sisters Ella Mae Sherman, Bertrua Randall Gibson, Clementine Randall, Vera Randall, Alberta Randall, and brother Ivory Randall.
Click here for Dr. OT Randall’s obituary.
12 entries.
Sergei Nekhai Sergei Nekhai wrote on February 9, 2022
Dr. Randall was my colleague at Howard Univeristy Department of Medicine and also my physician. I thoroughly enjoyed our interactions and conversations. He was very composed and extremely intelleginet person. I missed him when he retired and moved to Texas. I am grieving his untimely departure and wish best and my support to his family and friends. He will stay in my heart.
Edward D. Sargent Edward D. Sargent wrote on January 13, 2022
My Main Man, Dr. OT Randall, May God continue to bless you and your legacy. I know God is real and that He gives his sons and daughters everlasting life. I pray you and my father continue to be friends in the afterlife, and I will see you again--not too soon, of course, but bye and bye. :>) I have sadness in my heart at your passing, for I loved you as a doctor, a father figure and a fellow human being on this earthly plane. The lessons and instructions you gave to me have sustained me. It so happens today I have come to visit an old friend and colleague of yours, the great Dr. Boise Barnes, a fellow cardiologist old timer from HUH. Your generation paved the way for those who followed. May we one day match your collective achievements and lift those behind us as we climb. Be well.
Archie Bailey Archie Bailey wrote on May 5, 2021
I was at How are university hospital today to see Dr . Retta. And he talk to about my best doctor, my friend and was a like a father to me. Was my doctor from the time I was 21 years old until he retired. Dr. Randall Thanks you for all you did to make me a better man,,,always forever. Archie Bailey
Beverlyn Settles-Reaves, PhD Beverlyn Settles-Reaves, PhD wrote on March 2, 2021
Dr. Randall was a mentor, a listener, my teacher, my doctor, and counselor. Missed him when he retired from Howard, missed being able to stop by his office to just talk and share. Now he will be missed in life. A world without Dr. Randall has lost an extremely bright, intelligent and kind gentleman, who shared your joy and pain every time you saw and talked to him. Rest in Peace, Your life's journey is complete. Thank you. My prayers and thoughts for the Randall Family and Friends.
Eric Walters Eric Walters wrote on February 16, 2021
Saddened by the passing of this great colleague at Howard. I will miss our friendly conversations, your keen intellect, kind words, and quiet strength. To the family of Dr. Randall, please accept my deepest condolences.
Hakeem Ayinde Hakeem Ayinde wrote on January 3, 2021
It is with great sadness that I’m writing this. Dr Randall was a very important mentor to me. He introduced me to research and I had my first abstract with him. He told me a lot of stories. My favorite is one while he was in Europe many years ago and a white man asked him how he felt being black. He said: ‘It is very hard to live as a black man, but I wouldn’t change it for anything in this world”. Rest In Peace, Dr OT Randall.
William A. A. Foster, M.D. William A. A. Foster, M.D. wrote on January 1, 2021
In loving memory to Dr. Randall who was an excellent ‘truth teller’, teacher, mentor and friend. We send our deepest condolences to his beautiful Family.
Habteab Betsuamlac Feseha, MD Habteab Betsuamlac Feseha, MD wrote on December 31, 2020
It is sad to hear the death of Otilio Sye Randall, MD. I met him when doing my internship at Howard University Hospital, and through out my training, he supported me at every aspect of my training. He is a selfless and dedicated clinician, researcher, mentor and and above all VERY HUMBLE. He has mentored and shaped many students, residents and fellows in his long years of service at Howard University. I am proud to say I am one of them. My Condolences to his beloved family. May his Soul rest in peace!
Richard F. Gillum Richard F. Gillum wrote on December 31, 2020
We have lost two great souls in Drs. Haywood and Randall. Both began life in regions and eras with great barriers to black achievement, yet both prevailed against all odds to achieve excellence and distinction in cardiovascular medicine. Dr. Randall's dedication to family and community were equally impressive. May his legacy at Howard University be long and fruitful. Teach us to number our days, that we may gain a heart of wisdom. —Psalm 90:12
Joseph R Robinson MD PhD FACC Joseph R Robinson MD PhD FACC wrote on December 31, 2020
OT was not only a mentor but also a magnificant Person. Extremely helpful for me during many Discussions /exchanges on management of complex Hypertensives-often times I would refer complex Cases to him-only solved-of course I took credit. A rare and superb motivator, scholar, and friend. Regards to family-still use his COOK BOOK to this day May God be with You my professor! JR
Walter L Faggett MD Walter L Faggett MD wrote on December 31, 2020
Peace and Blessings for the Randall family as they and we mourn the loss and celebrate the legendary life of Dr Otellio Sye Randall MD . OT was the embodiment of friendship being essential to the soul for those of us privileged to share fun times and support each other during life’s challenges. We will miss OT and will remember him every time we hear John Coletrane playing Love Supreme Miles Davis Kind of Blue or Stan Cowell Prayer for Peace. Rest In Peace OT . Your Friend for 60 years Walt Faggett MD and Pat Faggett
Samuel Selasie Mortoti, MD, FACC Samuel Selasie Mortoti, MD, FACC wrote on December 30, 2020
It is with untold sadness that I learn of the unfortunate demise of my mentor, Dr. Randall. He was instrumental in my admission into the cardiology fellowship program at Howard University Hospital. I remember with fondness our trip to Vancouver, Canada for a hypertension conference. He reveled in mentoring the young ones. A great researcher, cardiologist and mentor has passed and will forever be remembered for the gentle, ethical, deep thinking and inspiring leader that he was! Dr. Randall, may your soul rest in perfect peace.