More detail on this person: Randall (Randy)
Stewart Gee passed quietly at home surrounded by
family and loved ones on Sunday, March 8th, at
5:00pm after his second courageous battle with
cancer.
Randy will be remembered for his kind heart,
outgoing personality and his lifelong support and
commitment to his friends and colleagues within
aviation, military, boating and business
communities. He was a team player, always willing
to lend a hand, make a connection, share his
passion and experience. He is truly a survivor of
many acts of valor and life's little adventures
which he loved sharing with others.
Randy grew up in Fiskville, Rhode Island, working
on the family's Arkwright Poultry and Dairy farm
and was active in the local 4-H Club. He would
often tell a story of his first ever day off work
- his first Sunday in the Army - because as a farm
boy, the cows and chickens always came first.
Born on January 29, 1946 he was the son of
Richard Gee of Cranston, RI and Juanita Gee of
Middletown, RI. He attended Cranston East High
School after which he joined the Army to pursue
his life's dream of flying.
He graduated from the U.S. Army Officer Pilot
Training School, Fort Rucker, Alabama in 1966
where he went on to fly UH-1 helicopters with the
1st Air Cavalry Division (Airmobile) 227th Assault
Helicopter Battalion. A highly decorated military
pilot, he received The Air Medal with 25 clusters,
the Bronze Star and The Air Medal with "V" device
for his heroism and meritorious achievements
during combat operations in Vietnam.
Awarded the Distinguished Flying Cross in 1968 for
heroism while participating in aerial flight
evidenced by voluntary action above and beyond the
call of duty in the Republic of Vietnam. Warrant
Officer Gee distinguished himself by exceptionally
valorous action while serving as a pilot of an
armed helicopter during a combat mission in the A
Shau Valley. While air assaulting troops into
enemy controlled terrain, Warrant Officer Gee
constantly exposed himself to the intense hostile
ground fire as he air lifted troops and supplies
into the embattled area. Although his aircraft
received over 200 hits from the hostile ground
fire, he successfully completed his mission. His
outstanding flying ability and devotion to duty
are in keeping with the highest traditions of the
military service and reflects great credit upon
himself, his unit and the United States Army.
Randy served as a U.S. Army instructor pilot for 2
years at Hunter Army Base in Savannah, Georgia
and continued to serve as an Officer with the
Connecticut National Guard for 13 years. Type
rated in many aircraft including Shorts 360,
L1011s, Cessna Citation, Falcon 20 and Boeing
727, Randy lived his passion for flying with
Federal Express in the early years, Air Transport
International and American Airlines.
After retiring from commercial flying, he founded
Global Sourcing Solutions and American Quality
Standard Products, sourcing component parts for
manufacturing operations in the U.S. and abroad.
He continued to stay active within the aviation
community, often flying is Piper Arrow named "The
Juliet" across the country for any reason, and had
over 20,000 flight hours.
Randy was a member of the Viet Nam Helicopter
Pilots Association, AOPA, EAA, Newport Yacht
Club, and a past corporate sponsor to the US Naval
War College Foundation. He is survived by his son
Brandon "Barry" Gee of Memphis Tennessee and in
the hearts and thoughts of many dear friends.
The funeral will be held on Monday, March 16, at
10:00 a.m. for family and close friends at the
Rhode Island Veterans Memorial Cemetery at 301
South County Trail, Exeter, RI.
A special memorial is also planned in May, which
will be noted shortly on the Connors Funeral Home
website.
In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the
Aircraft Owners and Pilots Associations (AOPA) or
the Dana Farber Cancer Institute, 44 Binney
Street, Boston, MA 02115
This information was last updated 05/18/2016
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Date posted on this site: 03/10/2024
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