Randall William Ishmael

Randall William Ishmael, 78, passed from this life on Tuesday April 26, 2016 in Jonesboro. He is survived by his beloved wife of 23 years, Susan Wilbanks Ishmael, brother, Terry Ishmael; children, Theresa Nie, Johnathan Ishmael, Leslie Pillows, and Jennifer Ishmael and four grandchildren, Hayden Pillows, Christian Swint, Emmalee Ishmael-Williamson, Rebekah Nie. He was preceded in death by his father, George Ishmael and mother, Emily Lakey Ishmael Phillips and infant sister, Mary. Randy loved life and lived it to the fullest. He had an insatiable thirst for knowledge and was always challenging himself to grow and learn. He had a strong curiosity about all things and never thought twice about asking a question. He was a lover of the outdoors, animals and nature. He was a pilot, a legend on the racquetball courts and loved sailing. He enjoyed skating, snow skiing, mountain biking and road biking. He began training and competing in triathlons at an age when most men begin to think about slowing down. Well into his 60's Randy took up horseback riding and learned to jump on his treasured horse Buddy. Most recently, he spent hours learning Spanish and to play the piano. Randy battled the disease of cancer with gallant confidence. It was just another mountain to climb, another challenge to face. He gave it every ounce of fight he had with grace and dignity. Randy, a practicing attorney and cpa was highly respected by his peers and those who knew him. He graduated Arkansas State University as a Wilson Award Winner with distinction in 1963 and was Vice President of the student body, member of Alpha Kappa Psi and elected to Who's Who Among Students in American Universities and Colleges. He was as strong supporter of AState and took pride in his university. He received his CPA license in 1962 scoring in the 100th percentile. He graduated George Washington University Law School (Washington, D.C.) LLB, 1966. He was the president of the Student Bar Association, and also treasurer. A member of Delta Theta Phi legal fraternity and received other honors as well. He began his law career with the Barrett, Wheatley, Smith and Deacon firm where he was named partner in 1968. He opened his own firm in 1976. Major areas of practice included taxation, corporation, real estate, business, estate planning and probate law. Randy was an active member of the American Bar Association, the Arkansas Bar Association, Arkansas Bar Association Section of Taxation, and Probate Law Section, and The Arkansas Bar Foundation and also held offices with each including board of directors, Foundation Fellow, sustaining member, Executive Council and Chairman. He was a Fellow American College of Trust and Estate Counsel, Arkansas Bar Association, Chair-Executive Committee of House of Delegates, Taxation Section, Probate Law Section. Arkansas Supreme Court Special Justice in 1976 and 1988. He was also a member of the NEA Bar Association and the Craighead County Bar Association where he held all offices including president. Other organizations include NEA Estate Planning Council, Fellow of American College Trust and Estate Council, Arkansas Society of Certified Public Accountants, (and NEA chapter). Randy was a founding board member and chairman of the Jonesboro Residential Housing and Health Care Facilities Board. Other organization included American Red Cross, Jonesboro Jaycees, Jonesboro YMCA, Jonesboro Fine Arts Council, Democratic National Committee, Multi-state Transportation Advisory Board. He served his country in the U.S. Air Force from 1957-1960 where he took classes in preparation to return home to college. He was the Founding member of the Crowleys Ridge Cross Trainers, Commodore Greers Ferry Yacht Club and Member of SBS Equine. Those honored to serve as pallbearers are Dick Hatfield, Carl Keller, Dr. Mike Isaacson, Dr. Tom Stank, Sammie Lewis, and Dennis Zolper. Honorary pallbearers are Hal White, David Laser, Ted Herget and Bob Hernreich. Funeral services will be at 11 a.m. Friday at Emerson Memorial Chapel officiated by Don Blackmore and John Travis. A graveside committal service will follow at New Hope Cemetery, north of Jonesboro. Donations can be made to the Flo and Phil Jones Hospice House, 400 East St., Jonesboro, Ark. 72401. Online registry at www.emersonfuneralhome.com.