Randell Lewis Tyree

Randell Lewis Tyree (Randy), 85, of Knoxville, TN passed away peacefully Monday, November 24, 2025. The self-described “farm boy,” born in Carthage on January 20, 1940, was co-captain of the football team and served in the Reserve Officers’ Training Corp (ROTC) before graduating from Gordonsville High School. After earning his undergraduate degree at Middle Tennessee State University, he enlisted in the U.S. Marine Corps. Following a medical discharge, Randy demonstrated his commitment to public service and justice, first at the Federal Bureau of Investigation and then serving with the Knoxville Police Department as a patrol man before earning his Juris Doctor (JD) from the University of Tennessee, Knoxville. Randy worked as the city’s Safety Director prior to his successful election as Mayor of Knoxville, where he served two influential terms, from 1976-1983. His mayoral tenure, marked by sweeping changes to the city and incredible advancements to the region, was undeniably monumental. Those watershed years were primarily associated with Randy’s instrumental efforts in securing and developing the 1982 World's Fair. The Fair, a mammoth undertaking that rebranded Knoxville as a small Southern city with a developing international profile, brought unprecedented cultural awareness and global attention to the region. His leadership was characterized by a unique blend of wisdom, compassion, and an unwavering commitment to understanding and addressing the needs of the community. After leaving public office, Randy continued his commitment to service through the law, serving as partner at Morrison, Tyree and Dunn for over twenty years. He devoted his time to numerous civic organizations, which included serving on the boards of the Jaycees, the Urban League, the American Cancer Society, the Florence Crittenden Agency, and the East Tennessee Veterans Memorial Association, among others. Beyond his political and legal career, Randy was known for his extraordinary volunteer spirit, his keen sense of humor, and his profound love for his family. When he wasn’t navigating the city’s business, he could be found coaching his children’s baseball and basketball teams, roasting BBQ with the Swinetasters group, and backpacking through his childhood homesteads in Middle Tennessee. In later years, Randy was a regular at the Cherokee Saturday morning Bible study group. He also continued to share his love for Knoxville by greeting visitors at the Sunsphere and answering their innumerable questions about the World’s Fair, which drew 11 million visits during its six-month run. He remained keenly interested in current political affairs and cherished time spent with his grandchildren and his “grand dogs”. We will greatly miss Randy’s extremely optimistic take on life, his kind and genuine heart, his exceptional ability to work across the political aisle for the benefit of others, and his talent for never meeting a stranger. He is survived by his former wife Mary Pat Tyree; children Niki and Scott of Knoxville, Chad of Allentown, PA and Ryan (JoElla) of Charleston, SC; and his beloved grandchildren, Kaia & River. He was preceded in death by his father, Bethel; his mother, Ethel; his brothers, Leonard and Basil; and sisters, Irene and Christine. A Celebration of Life will be held at the Sunsphere on Saturday, January 17, 2026, at 10:00 AM. The service will take place on the 6th floor with seating for family and guests. If needed, an overflow viewing area will be made available. Ther service will also be streamed via the Sunsphere Facebook page for those who cannot attend. More information can be found at visitknoxville.com/sunsphere, along with a link to indicate your interest in attending. Following the ceremony, the Sunsphere will be open to the public with free admission in celebration of Randy’s contributions to the City of Knoxville and the region.

Tributes

Randell Lewis Tyree

January 20, 1940 - November 24, 2025