Dr. Randolph Addison, Sr.

Randolph Addison, Sr., 74, retired biochemist and resident of Seattle, WA, died unexpectedly on June 12, 2025.

He was born in Bentonia, MS on July 10,1950 and attended public schools in Yazoo City, MS.  After graduating from Jackson State University (MS) with a degree in chemistry in 1972, he attended Cornell University (Ithaca, NY) and graduated with a Ph.D. in biochemistry in 1977.  Recognized in the Health Science arena as a noteworthy research scientist, Addison was employed at the following institutes of higher learning: Jackson State University, as a physics professor; UNC-Chapel Hill (NC) as a postdoctoral researcher in the Department of Pharmacology; Georgetown University (Washington, DC) as a researcher and professor, with emphasis on Topogenesis of the Neurospora H+ Atpase; National Science Foundation (Arlington, VA) program office molecular and cell biology; Rockefeller University (New York City) as professor for cell biology; Panelist National Research Council, Washington, DC; Howard Hughes Medical Institute panelist (MD); National Institutes of Health as scientific review administrator; University of Memphis (TN) as Minority High School Director of the Student Research Apprentice Program; Texas A&M University (research scientist). Addison was a highlighted American Biochemistry Educator Grantee, from the National Science Foundation, by Marquis Who's Who and the author of several grants and scientific reviews.

Addison's interests included reading, especially philosophy books, traveling, cooking all things vegan, canoeing, hiking and oil painting.

Addison is survived by his former spouse, Carolyn Beck Addison; son, Randolph Addison, Jr.; his step-mother, Rose Marie Addison and several nieces, nephews and well-wishers.  He is predeceased by his parents, Montgomery and Ella D. Addison; his siblings, Clara Addison, Thomas C. Addison, Jo Ann Addison Jackson and John Addison, Sr.

A memorial service will be held at a later date, in Yazoo City, MS, to honor his memory.

Special appreciation is extended to the staff at Serenity Funeral Home, Renton, WA.

John 14:1-3 "Let not your heart be troubled; you believe in God, believe also in me, in my Father's house are many mansions; if it were not so, I would have told you.  I go to prepared a place for you.  And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come again, and receive you unto myself; that where I am, there you may be also."

My Last Request

Please don't say that I gave up

just say that I gave in.

Don't say I lost the battle,

For it was God's war to lose or win.

Please don't say how good I was,

but that I did my best.

Just say I tried to do what's right,

to give the most I could,

not less.

Please don't give me wings or halos,

That's for God to do.

I want no more than I deserve.

No extras, just my due.

Please don't give flowers,

or talk in harsh tones.

Don't be concerned about me now,

I'm well with God, I have made it home.

Don't talk about what could have been,

its over and done.

Just see to all my family needs.

The battle has been won!

When you draw a picture of me,

don't draw me as a saint.

I've done some good, I've done some wrong....

So use all of your paint.

Not just the bright and light tones.

Use some gray and dark.

In fact, don't put me down on canvas,

just paint me in your heart.

Don't just remember all the good times,

but remember all the bad,

For life is full of many things.

Some happy and some sad.

But if you must do something,

then I have one last request:

Forgive me for the wrongs I've done

and with the love that's left,

Thank God for my soul's resting.

Thank God for all who loved me,

and praise God who love me the best.

-Author Unknown

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