Randall "Randy" Stewart Gee

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 will be planned in late Summer, early Fall. Please check Memorial Funeral Homess website for further details.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