Mr. Randall Dwight "Randy" Hooley, 81, of Middlebury, passed away peacefully and comfortably at Elkhart Place Assisted Living Center in Elkhart on Thursday, November 30, 2023 at 6:55 am following an extended illness.

He was born in Elkhart on February 6, 1942 to the late Dan and Bessie (Miller) Hooley and is survived by several children, grandchildren and some extended family members.

In accordance with his wishes, Randy is to be cremated with a memorial gathering taking place at a later date. Billings Funeral Home and Cremation Services of Elkhart have been assisting the family with the arrangements.

Randy will be best remembered for his hard work ethic, his empathetic view of others and his quick-witted sense of humor that never failed him, even as he went through his monologue of one-liners and terrible dad jokes up until his final moments.

He was also quite the sports enthusiast, and was able to complete two "watershed" bucket-list moments that are fairly uncommon with sports fans. First, Randy was a NASCAR fan, with #24 Jeff Gordon being his favorite driver. Randy was able to take the "NASCAR Experience" where he was suited up in a helmet and an official fire suit and was able to take a few laps around Michigan International Speedway while inside the car with a NASCAR driver.

His second chance at sports spectating fame came one summer afternoon at the old Comiskey Park in the left field upper deck when then Chicago White Sox Carlton Fisk knocked out a homer that wound up in the hands of our illustrious Randy. That ball is still around to this day. We'd be remiss, though, if we did not acknowledge his love for Da Bears and the Fighting Irish as well. He also loved horse racing but had to give it up because he put a huge bet on a horse that was coming in at 10 to 1. Unfortunately, all the other horses came in at 12:30 (drum rim shot).

Finally, Randy's family would like to acknowledge the love, hospitality and endearment shown by the management, staff and patronage (regulars) of the Village Inn in Middlebury for feeding, providing company and for their ability to withstand Randy's humorous anecdotes…..for many decades. Randy had forged friendships and continuous great meals as the Village Inn's #1 customer. Thank you for all the wonderful memories to everyone at the Village Inn.

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be given to the charity of one's choice. Or maybe just drop by the Village Inn and have a nice meal in Randy's memory!

Charity of One's Choice