Charles Randolph "Randy" Slayton

KEYSVILLE – Charles Randolph “Randy” Slayton, 75, died unexpectedly August 15, 2026, at his home surrounded by family members and following a long and courageous battle to regain his health.

Randy was born June 8, 1951, in Richmond, Virginia, the son of Randolph Wilson “Sonny” Slayton and Ethelene Kunath Slayton. Randy graduated from Midlothian High School and Southside Virginia Community College. He was the owner and operator of Slayton Forestry Services for more than 40 years, having reforested tens of thousands of acres with more than 80 million trees. He was elected to the Lunenburg County Board of Supervisors five consecutive terms, representing the Rehoboth District for a total of 20 years and having served as Chairman of the Board of Supervisors for seven years. During his tenure, he served on the Landfill Committee, Social Services Board, Old Dominion Rural Conservation & Development, Crossroads Community Services Board, and Virginia’s Heartland Regional Industrial Facility Board. He also represented farmers for several years on the Lunenburg County Farm Bureau Board. Randy was a devoted member of Cool Spring Christian Church.

He was preceded in death by his father, Randolph Wilson “Sonny” Slayton, and leaves to cherish his memories his beloved mother, Ethelene Kunath Slayton of Chesterfield; brothers Carl and Carlton Slayton of Chesterfield; the love of his life and wife of 38 years, Melanie Allen Slayton; a daughter, Whitney Slayton Higgins (Josh) of Richmond; two sons, Christopher Slayton (Christie) of Richmond and Austin Slayton (Savanna) of Keysville; five grandchildren, Hailey, Andi, River, Ada and Walker Slayton; and many lifelong friends and other loved ones.

An avid outdoorsman, Randy loved being in the woods and on the water. He was a very successful hunter and angler, enjoying turkey, deer and bear hunting, as well as fishing on the Chesapeake Bay and Outer Banks. His passion for and skill in the outdoors is something he passed to many others who looked to him as a mentor. He was a founding member of the Sugar Shack and Juniper Creek hunt clubs, and a longtime member of Arrowhead Gun Club. Randy was also fond of cars, having owned and worked on several classic muscle cars and having contributed to NASCAR driver Tommy Ellis’ success as a crew member many years ago.

Above all, Randy was devoted to Christ, his family and helping others to succeed.

A celebration of life will be held Wednesday, August 19, at 11 a.m. at The Barn at Pine View, 1230 Pine View Lane, Keysville VA 23947, followed by a reception. Interment will be private at Cool Spring Christian Church. The family will receive visitors Aug. 17 and 18, 4-7 p.m. at the Slayton Home on Tuckers Road, Keysville VA.

Those who wish to remember Randy in a special way may donate in his memory to The Doorways nonprofit hospitality house in Richmond (thedoorways.org) or local childhood cancer foundations, such as the ASK Childhood Cancer Foundation (askccf.org) or Connor’s Heroes (connorsheroes.org). The Browning-Duffer Funeral Home in Keysville, VA is in charge of arrangements.