Arthur Jones Ranson, III died unexpectedly on the morning of February 13. Randy, as he was widely known, was born to Arthur Jones Ranson, Jr. and Lillian Rigby Ranson on October 12, 1943 in Florence, South Carolina. He is survived by his spouse of fifty two years Angela Garner Ranson, children Clark Ranson of Orlando, Angela Smith (Paul) of Atlanta, Arthur Jones "Jay" Ranson IV (Andrea) of Clearwater, Catie Ranson of Aurora, OH and Ashley Ranson of Cleveland, OH; by eight grandchildren; and by brother Charles Rigby Ranson (Sheryl) of Tallahassee.

Randy attended public schools in Apopka, graduated from Florida Presbyterian (now Eckerd) College in 1965 (B.A. Political Science) and from Vanderbilt University College of Law in 1969 (Order of the Coif, Law Review Editor.) He served as Law Clerk for U.S. District Court Judge William Miller (Middle District Tennessee) and then relocated to Orlando in 1970 where he embarked upon an active civil litigation practice that continued to the time of his death.

Throughout his life, Randy demonstrated an active commitment to diverse aspects of his community, serving as Elder of the Winter Park Presbyterian Church, president of the Brookshire Elementary P.T.A., founding member of the Downtown Athletic Club (an originating sponsor of the Butkus Award annually awarded in recognition of college football's most outstanding linebacker), officer of the Meridian Club, and various other civic and professional organizations.

Randy found particular joy and satisfaction in his longstanding commitment to Eckerd College, where he served as Trustee from 1976-2002, including as Chairman of the Board from 1998-2000. In recognition of his service, in 2002 he was named Trustee Emeritus and continued his active participation in the life of the College until the time of his death. In 1979, Randy was awarded Eckerd's highest alumni award, the MacArthur Award.

Randy's deep and abiding relationships with his family and friends were his greatest joy. He will be deeply missed by the countless lives he's touched.

A Memorial Service will be held on Sunday, February 25th at 3pm at Winter Park Presbyterian Church, 400 South Lakemont Ave., Winter Park, FL with a reception following in Fellowship Hall.

In lieu of flowers, the family kindly asks for donations to be made to the Ranson Endowed Scholarship, for Randy's beloved Eckerd College:

https://www.eckerd.edu/ranson/
Via Mail:
Eckerd College Advancement Office
Attn: Ranson Endowed Scholarship Fund
4200 54th Ave South
St. Petersburg, FL 33711

Check payable to "Eckerd College"