Cover photo for Randall L. Groff's Obituary
Randall L. Groff Profile Photo
1949 Randy 2024

Randall L. Groff

April 17, 1949 — March 3, 2024

Lancaster

Randall L. "Randy" Groff, of Lancaster, Ohio, died on March 3, 2024. Randy will always be remembered as a loyal and devoted father, grandfather, husband, patriot, veteran, and community volunteer and advocate.

Randy was born in Lancaster, Ohio on April 17, 1949, son of the late Harold and Freda (Wilkinson) Groff. Randy graduated as a member of the Class of 1967 from Lancaster High School, where he was a member of the football and wrestling teams. 

After a year at The Ohio State University, Randy joined the United States Marine Corps, serving as a member of the 2nd Battalion, 1st Marines in Vietnam. After his service, he obtained his Bachelor's Degree from Ohio University. He held various corporate marketing and sales positions over the years, with stays in Atlanta, Dallas, and Detroit before returning to Lancaster in 1987.

Randy was active in veteran organizations. He was a member of the 2nd Battalion 1st Marines Vietnam Veterans Association, Vietnam Veterans of America #1045, AMVETS Post #1985, VFW Post #1516, and American Legion Post #11.  

Randy was also active in his community. He was elected to the Lancaster City Council for 4 terms, where, among other duties, he served as Chairman of the Law Committee. He also served as a member of the Lancaster City Board of Zoning Appeals for 16 years and the Lancaster City Board of Health for 5 years. He served as Chairman of the Lancaster-Fairfield County 4th of July Committee for 12 years, and was active with the Sons of the American Revolution and Fairfield County Heritage Association, among other organizations.

Randy is survived by his wife, Judy Bininger Groff, daughter, Elizabeth Groff (Steve Sadlak), daughter, Katherine (Jamie) Werchadlo, daughter, Kristen (David) Clechenko, stepson, John (Natalie) Furniss, stepdaughter, Marnie (Dan) Shaffer, brother, Rick Groff, and nephew, Brandi Groff. He is also survived by his fourteen grandchildren:  Will; Max; Owen; Collin; Andrew; Vale; Diana; John; Charlotte; Lillian; Jack; Adelaide; Freddie; and Frances.  

A funeral service will be held on Friday, March 8 at 10:30 a.m. at Frank E. Smith Funeral Home, 405 North Columbus Street, Lancaster, Ohio. Visitation is scheduled for Thursday, March 7 from 2 to 4 p.m. and 6 to 8 p.m. at Frank E. Smith Funeral Home. 

In lieu of flowers, the family suggests contributions to Fairfield County Heritage Association, Fairfield County Strings & Keyboards, or a favorite veterans organization.

To send an online condolence, and sign the guest book, please visit www.funeralhome.com.


To order memorial trees or send flowers to the family in memory of Randall L. Groff, please visit our flower store.

Service Schedule

Past Services

Visitation

Thursday, March 7, 2024

2:00 - 4:00 pm (Eastern time)

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Visitation

Thursday, March 7, 2024

6:00 - 8:00 pm (Eastern time)

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Funeral Service

Friday, March 8, 2024

10:30 - 11:30 am (Eastern time)

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