Randall �Randy� D. Guess, 70, of Fernandina Beach passed away at his home Sunday, June 28, 2020.

He was born in Chattanooga, TN and was a son of the late George and Mildred Jones Guess. Early in his life he began living with his grandparents, George and �Nanny� Sarah Jones. Randy was always thankful to have those loving and caring grandparents in his life and believed they were responsible for his success in life.

Randy moved to Fernandina Beach in 1969 shortly after marrying the love of his life, Kay Williams Guess. Randy�s first job was at Terminal Bag. It was there he met his best friend, Jack Barniak. They remained friends and �hunting buddies� ever since. Later, he worked as a carpenter for both Bob Douglass and Arnold Holland. His work included several projects in the infancy of Amelia Island Plantation. After a few years in the construction trade, Mr. Guess would find his true calling and join the Fernandina Beach Fire Department.

Beginning in 1977, Randy would begin a career as a Firefighter, Emergency Medical Technician and eventually a Paramedic which would last until his retirement in 2003. During his career he furthered his education and obtained his Associates Degree in Emergency Medicine and thus, became a paramedic. After a change in the structure of Emergency Services he decided he would return to his work as a Firefighter. He became qualified as an Engineer and would retire at the rank of Lieutenant. He was also instrumental in the beginnings of Local # 2836 of the International Association of Fire Fighters. He served for many years as its president.

Away from work Randy enjoyed working with his hands as a woodworker, making pens and turkey calls. He was a member of the Florida Artist Blacksmiths Association. He was known for the quality of his hand forged knives. He also loved the outdoors. He was a member of the former Brickyard Hunting Club for over 20 years as well as enjoying fishing and especially flounder gigging with his son, Erik.

His son said he will always remember his Dad for teaching him to respect other people, to stand up and offer his seat to a lady or an older person, saying please and thank you as well as the importance of being a well mannered gentleman.

Randy leaves behind his wife of 51 years, Brenda �Kay� Williams Guess and his son, Erik Guess, both of Fernandina Beach; two grandsons, Edward James and Ian Marshall Guess of Wellington, FL; a God Daughter, Jodi Watkins of Jacksonville, FL; three step brothers, Tom Allen Morrison of Jasper, Tennessee, Billyfrank Morrison of Clarksville, TN and Pat Morrison of Jasper, AL; a step sister, Ingrid Morrison of Jacksonville, Alabama.

Memorial services will be held Thursday, July 9, 2020 beginning at 3:00 PM in the Burgess Chapel of Oxley-Heard Funeral Directors with Chaplain Jim Tippins officiating. Fire Department Honors will be rendered by the Fernandina Beach Fire Department.

The family asks that Randy be remembered by donations to Community Hospice and Palliative Care.