Randall Lee Deitz, Jr.

Randall Lee Deitz Jr. “Cotton Candy Randy” June 27, 1961 – March 21, 2025

Randall Lee Deitz Jr., affectionately known as Cotton Candy Randy, passed away peacefully on Friday, March 21st, 2025, at 7:30pm in his daughter’s home in Walton, Kentucky. Surrounded by family and friends, Randy was 63 years old.

Born on June 27th, 1961, in Roswell, New Mexico, Randy was the son of the late Randall Lee Deitz and Margaret Williamina Deitz. He grew up with a strong work ethic and an even stronger sense of humor—traits that defined his life and left a lasting impact on everyone who knew him.

Randy lived a vibrant and unconventional life, filled with odd jobs, entrepreneurial ventures, and stories that could fill a book. From running the Gunpowder Creek Marina and Fowler Creek Tavern to becoming a staple at every major sports and event venue in the Greater Cincinnati area, Randy made his mark as the beloved cotton candy and snow cone man. His work at the Florence Aquatic Center remains a cherished memory for many who knew him through the years.

Randy was married to Eileen McLachlan for 33 years and was a proud and loving father to Randall Lee Deitz III and Sandra Nichole Koopmans. His legacy lives on through his five grandchildren: Randall Lee Deitz IV, Andrew Thomas Hicks, Izik Arthur Koopmans, Ezra Thomas Koopmans, and Iris Jane Koopmans. He also leaves behind his sister Sharon Lesley Tully (David Keith Tully), brother Michael Steven Deitz, nephew David Paton Tully, niece Kayleigh-Margaret Williamina Tully, and extended friends and family throughout the U.S. and Scotland.

Randy was a man of many passions—boating, fishing, and golfing were among his favorite ways to spend time outdoors. He lit up around his family and was happiest when gathered at a holiday table he made sure was perfectly set. As he got older, he cherished being surrounded by good company, sharing stories with a beer in hand.

Known for his selflessness, Randy helped more people than he ever let on. He believed every problem had a solution, bent the rules when it meant helping someone in need, and somehow always made the impossible possible. To many, he was a hero in a season of their life. And to all, he was simply unforgettable.

Randy’s life will be honored on Sunday, March 30th at Floral Hills Funeral Home in Taylor Mill, KY, with visitation from 2–4pm and a service to follow at 4pm. A celebration of life benefit will take place on Sunday, June 22nd at GTO Bar & Grill in Florence, KY.

His remains will be placed in a memorial bench at the foot of his father’s gravesite at Forest Lawn Memorial Park. A private memorial ceremony for close family and friends will be held once the bench is completed.

In lieu of flowers, Randy requested cotton candy be served and used as decorations that his son will be providing, encouraging joy and laughter in his memory. Donations to assist with final arrangements can be made through a GoFundMe account set up by his daughter. https://gofund.me/1c5c62b3

Even though Randy always said, “On time is when I get there,” he fought hard for every second he had left on this earth and was not ready to leave his family behind. In true Randy fashion, he left his family with a sky filled with cotton candy colors to cherish forever. He was a blessing to those who knew him and will live on in every story, every shared laugh, and every sweet bite of cotton candy.