COLUMBIA, S.C. (WIS) – The former president of the South Carolina NAACP and longtime community leader has died.
On Saturday, current Columbia NAACP President L. Oveta Glover announced the death of Dr. Ronnie Randolph Jr. Mr. Randolph, a past president of the Columbia Chapter of the NAACP, also led the state NAACP for more than 14 years.
Randolph, a civil rights leader, played a pivotal role in getting the Confederate flag removed from the state capitol.
A statement released Saturday night by the South Carolina NAACP reads in part:
“It is with a heavy heart that we announce that Dr. Ronnie Randolph Jr. passed away peacefully this afternoon, October 19, 2024. His dedication to justice, equality, and service to our community. left a lasting mark as we all remember.
“Dr. Randolph’s commitment and passion for civil rights will continue to inspire us.”
Randolph, a Columbia native and graduate of Dreher High School, is a longtime community leader with decades of service under his name. The former NAACP president earned a bachelor’s degree in biology from Benedict College and later earned a doctorate in optometry from Southern College of Optometry.
Dr. Randolph operated a private optometrist practice in Columbia for over 40 years. During this time, we established a free eye clinic at Palmetto Health to provide care to K-12 students. Dr. Randolph also served on the board of the Columbia Free Medical Clinic and served on the Diabetes Task Force of the South Carolina Commission for the Blind.
Due to Dr. Randolph’s efforts, he was recognized as Optometrist of the Year by the South Carolina Optometric Association and was elected president of the association. He also served as Chairman of the South Carolina Consumer Affairs Commission.
In 2011, Dr. Randolph was awarded the Order of the Palmetto. The state’s highest civilian honor for contributions to the state.
Mrs. Randolph is asking that calls and outreach be put on hold to help the family process the loss.
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