Raymond Joseph “Randy” Funkhouser II, a supporter of the West Virginia thoroughbred community, passed away peacefully on February 4. He was 70 years old.
Funkhouser was born and raised in Charles Town, W. Va. He attended Powhatan School in Boyce, Va., and Hill School in Pottstown, Pa. He graduated from Stanford University with a BA in creative writing before returning to Jefferson County to work. with mother Ruth and mentor Frank Gall in running O’Sullivan Farms. The farm’s hybrids include Confucius’ sayings a millionaire and 11-time black-style scorer.
Funkhouser has been actively involved in the West Virginia thoroughbred industry and farmland conservation, working tirelessly for decades with legislators and community leaders to protect and advance the Purebred industry. strains. Funkhouser served as a member of the Charles Town Layman’s Protection and Benevolent Association for 25 years, including serving as president for 16 of those years. He serves on the boards of National HBPA, West Virginia Thoroughbred Breeders Association, West Virginia Shepherd’s Classics, Shenandoah Valley Museum, and is a founding member and organizer of Charles Town Racetrack Chaplaincy.
Funkhouser followed in his grandfather RJ Funkhouser’s fascination with Jefferson County’s rich culture, history, and agriculture. Sons John and Joe continue their father’s legacy of running the family farm and campaigning for horsemen in West Virginia.
An avid photographer in previous years, Funkhouser continued to pursue his passion for creativity and recently published a book of poetry, Shenandoah Valley Sketches.
Funkhouser is very eager to live, study and travel. He had an unshakeable hope that the crop of each pony year would be the best. He was a visionary, a scholar, and above all a man of honor. He has a big heart and laughs and cries equally with abandon. His bright smile always lights up the room.
Funkhouser possessed encyclopedic knowledge of family lore, fine wine, purebred genealogy, and every book he ever read. He was kind, generous, and deeply appreciative of God’s creation. He loves God, family, farms, friends and a good story and is known for telling a good story.
Funkhouser is survived by his beloved wife of 46 years, Clissy, sons John and Joe Funkhouser, daughter Kate Brown, son-in-law Mike Brown, nephew Clyde Brown, sister Ann Strite-Kurz, and a network of expanse of family and friends. and his loyal dog Finnegan. Before his death were mother Ruth Funkhouser, father and stepmother Justin and Carolyn Funkhouser, sisters Carol Funkhouser and Pam Day, and longtime mentor, Frank Gall. His brother, Robert Funkhouser, passed away on February 7.
Funeral services will be held on Sunday, February 20 at 2 p.m. ET at Covenant Church, 7485 Shepherdstown Pike, Shepherdstown, W. Va. The service will be live streamed and you can find the link on the website, randyfunkhouser.com.
The family invites everyone to share your memories of Funkhouser on the site. Select “Memorial” from the menu and use the links to share memories via email or to upload photos.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be sent to Charles Town Racetrack Chaplaincy, PO Box 1377, Charles Town, WV 25414; or Friends of the Happy Retreat, PO Box 1427 Charles Town, WV 25414; or Bridge Community Church 114 S. Fairfax Blvd., Ranson WV 25438.
