Edward Randolph Reinhardt August 9, 1951 – December 27, 2021

As the sun set on December 27, 2021, and the hymn, “It is Well” played softly, Randy Reinhardt peacefully passed away, surrounded by his family. He is now soaring on wings like eagles.

Randy grew up in Louisville, Kentucky. He was the eldest of three boys raised by their widowed mother, Elizabeth Randolph Reinhardt (1923-2018). His father, Edward Randolph Jr. passed away in 1967 from breast cancer.

At a young age, Randy had set his sights on attending West Point. He shined his shoes until they glistened, played army games, became an Eagle Scout, and often visited Civil War battle grounds. He was enamored by the many leaders that attended West Point. Randy graduated from Seneca High School In 1969 with a diploma in his hand and leadership aspirations in his heart. He had earned a congressional nomination and was being recruited to play football. He had a tough decision to make. Army or Navy? His admiration of the fine sports cars driven around the Naval Academy by the upperclassmen, sealed the deal, and Randy headed for Annapolis.

 One September afternoon, while Midshipman Reinhardt took a break from studying, he fortuitously bumped into Linda High, who happened to be on campus with a girlfriend. Their serendipitous encounter led to a marriage spanning nearly 5 decades. Randy always said that the three most important things in his life happened at the Naval Academy: he came to faith, met the love of his life, and got married.

Randy graduated from the USNA in 1973 and was married that week. Following graduation, Randy spent three years in Jacksonville with the Eagles (VP-16 Squadron) piloting a P-3 Orion and chasing Soviet submarines during the Cold War. The Reinhardt’s hopscotched from Texas to Florida, finally settling in Columbia, Maryland where they nestled in and raised their family of 5 children.

In 1979, Randy made the decision to leave the Navy and pursue a life of ministry. He attended Chesapeake Theological Seminary where he received his Master of Divinity degree. Randy served as headmaster of Covenant Community School and became senior pastor of Covenant Community Church. In June 2000, the church merged with Living Water Fellowship (Pastor Fred Lessans) to become New Heritage Community where he led alongside Pastor Fred and the Elders. In addition to pastoring, Randy spent several decades teaching. In the last 10 years he cherished his time with the students and faculty at Chapelgate Christian Academy.

During the 1980s and 90s, Randy worked closely with the residents and families at the Harper House (Abbott House at that time) to bridge the community and the Howard County police department. He often served in homeless shelters, and was known in Baltimore City for his “Free Bagels, Free Prayer” ministry initiative.

His outreach extended beyond the local community. In 2005, after the devastating tsunami in Indonesia, Randy led a team to support the people and help rebuild the community. After his initial trip, he returned 6 more times. His international mission outreach spread into Cuba, Nicaragua, South America, and Turkey.

Faith was Randy’s anchor. He believed in living a life of serving others. He loved history, reading, football, and could perfectly time a story’s punchline. Most of all, he loved his family and the relationships that he nurtured. There were no strangers to Randy, just

 people that he hadn’t met yet. He had a superpower of making everyone feel they were the most interesting person in the room.

In June of 2021 Randy was diagnosed with stage 4 cancer (renal cell carcinoma). In the past few months, when Randy attended medical appointments or had longer hospital stays, it was never clear who was taking care of who, because all who met Randy received encouragement, a laugh, and/or a spiritual-faith-emotional checkup.

Randy is survived by his wife Linda of 48 years, his 5 children: Eric Reinhardt (Andrea), Michelle Crouch (Jeremy), Amy Reinhardt, Joy Strom (Justin), and Kyle Reinhardt; grandchildren Florence Strom, Olivia & Sara Crouch; brothers Dana Reinhardt (Shannan; Susan, deceased, 2015) and Captain Gregory Reinhardt, USN (Ret.), (Luly).

The family is very appreciative of the love and support from their friends and community. Randy will be remembered in many ways. He impacted and influenced multitudes by providing hope, comfort, and always a good pun. He served his family, the Lord, his country, the faithful and the faithless. A true servant leader.

A memorial service to celebrate Randy’s life will be scheduled. In lieu of flowers, the family will be establishing a scholarship fund, and an opportunity to donate to Gilchrist Hospice (where he was cared for in his final days). This information will be shared when the details are available.

“But they that wait upon the Lord shall renew their strength, they shall mount up with wings as eagles; they shall run, and not be weary; and they shall walk, and not faint.” (Isaiah 40:31)

Ps- The 2 new pictures added were taken at Randy’s last birthday celebration in August. How fitting and symbolic, behind him (one of our first purchases after being married), shows an ensuing storm, and the 🦅 eagle, waiting to mount!