Randolph Caldwell “Randy” Kohn

Randolph Caldwell “Randy” Kohn of Beaufort, South Carolina, passed away on July 31, 2026, at the age of 78. A devoted husband, father, grandfather, and man of deep faith, Randy lived a life defined by perseverance, service, accomplishment, and an unwavering love for his family.

Randy was born in Whitmire, South Carolina, on September 29, 1947, to the late Richard E. Kohn Sr. and Inez Kelley Kohn. He graduated from Greenville High School in 1965, where he was a three-sport standout in football, baseball, and basketball. He was the starting catcher throughout all four years and played both ways in football as a fullback and safety while also serving as the team’s placekicker. Randy made significant contributions across all three sports during a historic era of Greenville athletics, when the school won five state championships in football, basketball, and baseball. Following a football playoff game, his coach summarized that versatility perfectly: “He threw the pass which set up the touchdown, then scored the touchdown and then kicked the point after.”

Randy’s athletic talent drew attention well beyond Greenville. He was heavily recruited by colleges in both football and baseball and, at only 17 years old, was selected by the New York Mets in Major League Baseball’s inaugural draft. He was the 22nd player chosen in the nation—selected ahead of future Baseball Hall of Fame catcher, Johnny Bench.

It was an extraordinary opportunity, but Randy’s father firmly believed that education should come first. Guided by his father’s stern wisdom, Randy declined the Mets’ offer and accepted a baseball scholarship to the University of Georgia, where his older brother Larry was already playing football.

Randy continued to distinguish himself as a catcher for the Georgia Bulldogs. He possessed a legendary arm and famously threw out base-stealers at second base from his knees. A sportswriter at the time remarked, “Kohn ceases to be run-of-the-mill. If second base is the target, Bulldog pitchers don’t duck; they step aside. Kohn’s bullets zoom about waist high and usually arrive well ahead of the runner.”

When he became draft eligible again two years later, Randy was selected by the Los Angeles Dodgers organization. Randy made an immediate impression in professional baseball, delivering a two-run single with the bases loaded in his first professional at-bat. To Randy, pressure was a privilege. His talent, toughness, and fearless approach to the game was even highlighted by Tommy Lasorda in his book, The Artful Dodger. Unfortunately, a career-ending injury brought Randy’s professional baseball dream to an unexpected close, but true to his character, Randy didn’t let it define or defeat him. He returned to Athens, where he rejoined his Sigma Chi brothers whose friendship and brotherhood would remain an important part of his life. He excelled academically and earned a Bachelor of Arts in Business Management from the University of Georgia. He also returned to Pat, who he had met during his earlier years at UGA. They became engaged and began building a life together that would span more than 55 years.

The qualities that had made Randy an exceptional athlete became the foundation of an equally distinguished career in banking. Through hard work and a sincere commitment to the people and communities he served, Randy earned the trust and respect of colleagues and customers alike. Among his most significant professional accomplishments was helping establish Lowcountry National Bank in Beaufort, SC. He was a strong and principled businessman who valued relationships, kept his word, and believed that character mattered.

As impressive as Randy’s athletic and professional accomplishments were, the truest measure of his life was found in his faith and his service to others. Randy served faithfully at both Cumming United Methodist Church and Carteret Street United Methodist Church, sharing his time and talents through the Finance and Stewardship Committees and serving as chair of Staff-Parish Relations. He served not for recognition, but from a genuine desire to strengthen the churches and communities he loved.

His faith became an especially powerful testimony following the loss of his beloved son, Casey. In the face of the deepest grief a father could endure, Randy remained steadfast for his family and unwavering in his trust in Jesus Christ. He did not allow tragedy to define him or diminish his faith but continued to live with the same quiet strength and determination that defined his life.

Randy also gave generously of himself to the Beaufort community through organizations including the Historic Beaufort Foundation, the Chamber of Commerce, Rotary International, and Beaufort's Little League Baseball Committee. Whether lending his financial expertise or quietly addressing a need, he served with humility and purpose.

His talents extended well beyond banking and baseball. Randy was an excellent golfer, a gifted woodworker, an unforgettable shag dancer, and an accomplished baker whose cakes were eagerly anticipated and frequently requested. Everyone wanted one of Kohn’s cakes. He loved beach music, and those fortunate enough to see him on the dance floor knew to watch his feet.

Randy was fearless and tough as nails, yet humble, compassionate, and deeply loving. He showed his family how to endure disappointment without bitterness, experience success without arrogance, face profound loss without surrendering faith, and love others with loyalty and constancy.

Randy is survived by his loving wife, Pat Kohn; his daughter, Courtney (Canada) Smith; his cherished grandchildren, Sydney, Walker, and Creed Smith; and numerous nieces and nephews whom he adored.

He was preceded in death by his son, Casey Randolph Kohn, and his brothers, Larry Kelley Kohn and Richard E. Kohn.

The family will receive friends at Ingram Funeral Home in Cumming, Georgia, from 11:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. on Tuesday, August 4, 2026. A graveside service will immediately follow at Sawnee View Gardens, and the family warmly invites all who knew and loved Randy to attend.

A memorial service celebrating Randy’s life will be held on Saturday, August 15, 2026, at 11:00 a.m. at Carteret Street United Methodist Church in Beaufort, South Carolina.

Memorial contributions in Randy’s honor may be made to Carteret Street United Methodist Church, his much-loved church home in Beaufort, South Carolina.