Richard "Randy" Anderson Jr.

Richard Anderson Jr. (Randy) passed away peacefully at home, surrounded by his family and pets, on September 17, 2026, at the age of 84. Randy was born in El Paso and is a true native. After high school he attended UTEP. This was during the Vietnam War and soon he was drafted, but he chose to enlist in the Air Force. He served two tours in Vietnam, and as a result of life-changing experiences was guided to a career in education. Upon returning to El Paso, he completed his degree in Education and began his teaching career at Sunland Park Elementary School in the Gadsden District. His compassion for his students was admirable. His career took him to principalships at San Miguel Elementary and Anthony Elementary. His thorough knowledge of elementary curriculum then led him to a position as Associate Superintendent of Curriculum and then Superintendent. Upon retiring from the Gadsden District, he taught sixth grade math at Wiggs Middle School in the El Paso School District. Midway through his first year at Wiggs, he was appointed assistant principal at Bradley Elementary and later became principal.

Randy was an avid fisherman. If there was water, he would ask, “What kind of fish?” From Elephant Butte to the Gulf Coast to Florida all were wonderful in his eyes. Then he discovered fly fishing in Canada and learned the craft from his dear friend “Gordo” Young. Their love of Campbell River and so much of Vancouver Island revolved around time at the river, around the campfire, or just hiking through the woods. After retirement from EPISD he and Rexanna and their cats and dog spent four months in Campbell River every summer so he could fish and she could read. Every weekend they traveled the island and loved every “kilometer” of it.

He continued to fish even after his diagnosis of Parkinson's. It was a disease that he faced with courage and determination. He understood the challenges he would face but remained determined to continue with therapy and his boxing for Parkinson's program. As the disease became more advanced, his doctor told him no more fly fishing. The possibility of a fall became too dangerous. His journey through Parkinson's was guided with compassion and humor, with the help of his neurologist, Dr. Paisith Piriyawat, M.D., at Texas Tech. A huge debt of gratitude must be attributed to Dr. “P” as well as all of his caregivers over the years.

He was preceded in death by his mother, Esta Morris Metcalf, and his father, Richard Anderson. He is survived by his loving wife of 32 years, Rexanna Bell; brother Murray; son Richard III, referred to as Rip (Gloria), children Abigail, Alex (Lakota), R.J., and Samuel; son James (Rosa), children Jacquelynn (Jay), Jaymee (Fernando), and Daniel; great-grandchildren Sophia, Fernando III, and Ezraiah.

Burial took place at Hillcrest Memorial Gardens Cemetery in Las Cruces, N.M. Pallbearers were Richard Anderson III (Rip), James Anderson, Fernando Alarcon, Jay Wohl, Carlos Escamilla, and John Escandon.

Randy had such a love of all animals. The family asks that donations be made in his memory to the El Paso Animal Rescue League. www.arlep.org