Led Albertville, Boaz departments; was on City Council
By DONNA THORNTON, Editor
Albertville and Marshall County mourned the loss last week of John Randall “Randy” Amos, former Albertville police chief and part of a five-generation law enforcement family.
Amos died March 30. A memorial service was Thursday at Mount Calvary Baptist Church in Albertville, and in the hours prior to the service a long line of people made its way through the church facilities as friends came to pay their respects and offer condolences to the Amos family.
“It is with heavy hearts that we announce the passing of former Chief Randy Amos,” the Albertville Police Department said in a Facebook post. “A resident of Albertville for most of his life, Chief Amos dedicated 31 years to law enforcement, continuing a multi-generational legacy of service to our community. He served as our Police Chief for 10 years and most recently served as Chief Deputy for the Marshall County Sheriff’s Office.
“Chief Amos was more than a leader; he was a mentor, a school resource officer, and a city councilman who truly cared for the people he protected. Our thoughts and prayers are with his family, including his son, John, who continues the Amos family tradition in our department.
“Rest easy, Chief. We have the watch from here,” the post concluded.
Albertville Police Chief J.T. “Butch” Cartee worked with Amos, and remembered him as a pillar of the community.
“Former Chief Amos will be greatly missed, not only by his family, but by the entire community that benefited from his leadership, service, and dedication,” the chief said.
“Chief Amos was a true leader in every sense of the word,” the Boaz Police Department said in a Facebook post. “His work made a lasting, positive impact on the community not only in Albertville, but throughout the surrounding areas as well. His leadership and dedication to law enforcement will be deeply missed. He served as an outstanding role model and mentor to the young officers he led.
“We will miss you, Chief.”
Amos served with the Boaz Police Department, and the Lee County Sheriff’s Office during his career. He attended Snead State Community College and Auburn University and served in the United States Air Force before beginning a 40-year career in law enforcement.
He served on the Albertville City Council and was a longtime member of Mount Calvary Baptist Church, where he served through the ministries of visitation, music and fellowship.
In his service in public safety, and with his service with the Albertville Police Department, Amos followed a family calling.
Robert Lee “Uncle Bob” Amos was Albertville’s first town marshal and fire chief, serving from 1904-1940. His sons, William “Bill” Amos and Franklin “Pierce” Amos followed in his footsteps. Pierce Amos’ son H.L. “Tip” Amos served as an Alabama State Trooper.
Randy Amos – Bob’s great-grandson – served as Albertville’s chief in the mid-1990s, and Randy’s son John currently serves as Albertville’s assistant chief.
According to Amos’ obituary, “one of the most meaningful and impactful seasons of his service came when he was known across Marshall County as ‘Captain Randy.’ During this time, he became one of the first five D.A.R.E. officers in the State of Alabama. He found great joy in mentoring young people, teaching drug abuse resistance classes to fifth-grade students throughout the county.”
He is survived by his wife, Marsha Dye Amos; his two sons, John (Jennifer) Amos and Griffin (Erika) Amos; his brother, Harry Amos; and his cherished grandchildren, Josiee, Addie, Rhett, and Finn.
Randy Amos passed away March 30. A memorial service was Thursday at Mount Calvary Baptist Church in Albertville, and in the hours prior to the service a long line of people made its way through the church facilities as friends came to pay their respects and offer condolences to the Amos family.
