Randy Ouzts - Obituary

andy Ouzts was born on August 1, 1953 to the late Harriet Ouzts Wright and Elbert Ouzts Sr., in Washington, D.C. Randy departed this life on Wednesday, August 27, 2014 at his home in Clinton, MD. Randy attended D.C. Public Schools and received his high school diploma. Randy served in both the U.S. Army (1973 - 1976) and the Navy (1981 - 1985). Randy married Barbara Dawson and had a daughter Brandi. He has another daughter Nykia Thomas from a previous marriage, and he also adopted his niece Tina Dawson. Randy worked as a Property Disposal Specialist with the D.C. Office of Contracting and Procurement for 31+ years before retiring in 2011. Randy received numerous awards and honors for his dedicated service. Randy had a big personality and an even bigger smile. He enjoyed having a good time and he loved to dance, especially hand-dancing with his devoted wife Barbara. He took great pride in his style of “old school hand-dancing.” And we enjoyed watching him do his thing. Randy loved to laugh and tell interesting and funny stories. His stories were often punctuated with his unique brand of choice words, accented with wide open hand gestures, claps, and pointed finger. Randy was also a talented poet. He wrote loving poems in memory of his deceased brother Gilbert and nieces Adrienne and Ayana. Most of all, Randy loved his family. No matter the event, the occasion, or the location, you could count on Randy being there to celebrate, to support and to lend a hand. Randy was a Dad to all of his nieces and nephews. He would stand-in-the-gap offering advice and tough love to ensure that his nieces and nephews stayed on track and out of trouble. He attended every football and basketball game, every recital and every graduation whether it was kindergarten, elementary, middle school, high school, or college. He organized bowling nights, Pokeno nights, card games, and other activities that brought the family together. Every year Randy celebrated Father’s Day with a huge backyard barbeque. Preparing a year in advance, cooking and catering the entire event for his large family, extended family and many, many friends and co-workers. Randy was one of the founding members of the Buster Roast Social Club, hosting an annual pig roast for family and friends. Randy would sacrifice his time, money and resources so that others could enjoy themselves. Last, but certainly not least, Randy was an avid and unabashed Redskins’ fan willing to defend his beloved Redskins in any conversation. Those of us who knew him well knew not to talk trash about his hometown team “the Redskins.” Randy leaves to cherish his memory his wife Barbara Ouzts; two daughters Brandi Ouzts and Nykia Thomas, and adopted niece Tina Dawson; one grandson Kaeleb Thomas; a son-in-law Rynell Thomas; six sisters Bernice Speed (Melvin), Frances Wright Gunn, Jeanette Johnson (Avery), Sylvia Walden (Walter), Angela Wright and Francine Marrow (Melvin); four brothers: Elbert Ouzts (Margie), Irving Ouzts, Raymond Wright (Lonese) and Vincent Wright; two aunts: Virdie Mae Yarborough and Hattie Ballard; a mother-in-law Robbie Dawson; a loving nephew and buddy Michael Lockerman, and a host of nieces, nephews, other relatives and friends.   Relatives and friends are invited to Randy's Life Celebration on Friday, September 5, 2014 from 10am until time of service at 11am at Victory Christian Ministries International, 3911 St. Barnabas Road., Suitland, MD 20746. Interment Cedar Hill Cemetery.