Special to the AFRO
Randolph Edwin Abrams, a retired executive of the Social Security Administration, died peacefully on June 14 at age 74.
Randy, as he was affectionately called, was born on Oct. 31, 1949, in Baltimore City to James Abrams Sr. and his wife, Irene Abrams (neé Barber). He was the second son in a family of five children.
Randy received his early education in the Baltimore City Public Schools, graduating from Edmondson High School in 1967. He also attended Baltimore Community College, where he received statistical analysis and communications skill training.
In 1968, Randy was drafted into the United States Army and completed two years stationed in Korea before being honorably discharged. When he returned from his military service, he quickly found work at Bethlehem Steel Sparrows Point but was soon laid off. It was while he was laid off that a letter came that would change the course of his life, moving from a blue-collar to white-collar career and ultimately to senior executive service within the federal government. He said he could never have imagined what lay ahead for him that fateful day in 1970 when he received a letter telling him that he had been hired by the Social Security Administration (SSA).
Hired by SSA as a GS-4 file clerk in the Office of Central Operations, Randy learned the job quickly and thoroughly, leading to one promotion after another, and eventually landing him in a claims processing position. While working as a GS-11 claims authorizer, he was surprised to learn that he was being considered to fill a vacant supervisory position.
Randy had a natural instinct for leadership and employees found his style both unique and endearing. He brought to the job his genuine love and concern for people. His wry, quick wit resulted in some legendary quotes that former employees still recall today. He treated everyone with dignity and respect, regardless of their position. Randy cared about employees’ lives in and outside the office and would donate many hours of his usually unused annual leave to employees in need.
Over the years, Randy was moved from one part of Central Operations to another. It seemed that wherever there was a trouble spot, Randy was deployed to handle it. Randy’s hard work continued to be rewarded with promotions as he served in progressively more responsible positions. Ultimately, he became the deputy associate commissioner for Central Operations, responsible for thousands of employees. Randy retired in 2011 from SSA after over 40 years of exemplary service to the public.
Professional success was not the only thing that Randy found at SSA, he also found the love of his life, Mary Catherine Carmichael. They were happily married for 30 years until her death in 2013.
Randy was an integral and indispensable member of the Rising Sun First Baptist Church, Catonsville. In his role as deacon, he led devotions during the worship service. And, of course, Randy wore many other hats as well. He served as liaison between the pastor and the Catonsville church, security officer, sexton, assistant to the church administrator, substitute trustee and auditor, church photographer, and was the chairman of the 10th Anniversary Journal Committee.
A public viewing was scheduled for July 11 from 5-8 p.m. at the Chatman-Harris Funeral Home West, at 5024-44 Reisterstown Road in Baltimore, Md. A graveside service and interment will take place at the Garrison Forest Veterans Cemetery in Owings Mills on July 12 at 1 p.m..
A celebration of Randy’s life will be held at a later date.
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