Randy Craig Smith

Randy Craig Smith, 68, of Garland, Texas passed away on Friday, February 13, 2026. He was born in Albuquerque, New Mexico to Sandra Lee Burnside and Frank James Durgan on July 6, 1957. However, at the age of four, his mother married Byron Arthur Smith, who raised he and his brother, Russ, as his own.

They would eventually move to Oxnard, California before settling on an almond orchard in Merced, where Randy spent most of his childhood years. While helping on the farm, he would develop a number of passions, including sports, skateboarding and cars.

Still, growing up, his love for music shined above all others. From the days of sitting around the television listening to the Grand Ole Opry – because that’s what his father wanted to watch, to becoming a percussionist, he truly loved music.

Some of his favorite memories growing up were competing in the Santa Ana Band Review with the Atwater Falcon Marching Band, and traveling with the band to Vienna, Austria in 1973 to perform. Growing up in the glory days of rock ‘n’ roll made him an instant fan, but his love for music would expand through the years to that of pop and disco, soul and blues, funk, reggae and even in a little country.

From jamming out on the drums, to listening to some of the world’s top guitarists like Andy Timmons and Gary Hoey at the Dallas International Guitar Festival, music remained a life-long passion. Randy connected with so many people through it over the years.

Upon graduating from Atwater High School in 1975, his family moved to Texas with him initially staying in California and purchasing his iconic 1969 Camaro Z28. However, he followed suit a few years later, moving to the state he’d call home for the majority of his life.

Still, Randy loved to find the time to get back to the west coast to visit with his friends and family in Arizona and California.

In Texas, he got to truly embrace two of his other passions, carpentry and the Dallas Cowboys. Following in the footsteps of his father, Randy became a union carpenter, a craft he truly took pride in. He’d often brag about some of his best work, like the gift shops at Six Flags over Texas or the bar at Don Henley’s house.

His love for music also followed him to Texas, whether it was dancing at the Agora Ballroom or attending countless concerts through the years.

On New Year’s Eve, 1980, he met Susie Lore Wright, and the two married on June 20 of the following year. The two eventually made their home in Susie’s hometown of Garland, Texas, having three children.

Austin James was born on October 29, 1984, followed by Corey Daniel on January 26, 1988 and Jason Ross on August 27, 1990. Fatherhood instantly became another of Randy’s many passions.

Whether he was passing down knowledge to his kids or making life-long memories on vacations, his love for his family was truly special. Randy and his wife never missed an event for their children, and were always beaming with pride.

That continued as he and Susie became grandparents, rarely missing an opportunity to see their granddaughters, Addisyn Zoey and Dalilah Rose. In his later years, Randy took his love for music, and more specifically guitars, and turned it into a small business.

Traveling to various flea markets, he’d sell Axe Heaven miniature guitars most weekends. While selling the guitars was his business, connecting with fellow-music lovers was his goal.

As was the case for most of his life, Randy seldom met a stranger, instantly connecting with them. He’d talk music with anyone who entered his booth, as well as most of the vendors around him.

Each one was always met with a big smile and enthusiasm to get into a conversation. In fact, ending a conversation was often the toughest thing to do with Randy.

When he wasn’t selling guitars, Randy was taking trips with his family. More often than not, those trips were to Galveston, a place he truly loved. He’d always brag about the history of the island, and it’s growth through the years.

Randy is preceded in death by his mother and father, and his in-laws James and Hannelore Wright, who were like second parents to him.

He is survived by his wife, Susie, of Garland, Texas; children Austin, of Okeene, Oklahoma, Corey and Alisha Smith, of Princeton, Texas, and Jason of Cleburne, Texas; his granddaughters, Addisyn and Dalilah; his brother Russ Smith and sister-in-law Jana of Godley, Texas; as well as various cousins, nieces, nephews and beloved friends.

Services will be held Saturday, February 21, at Charles W. Smith and Sons Funeral Homes in Sachse, Texas.