Raymond Joseph “Randy” Funkhouser, II, a longtime member of the Charles Town Horsemen's Benevolent Protective Association (HBPA), passed away Feb. 4. He was 70.
Born and raised in Charles Town, West Virginia, Funkhouser returned to Jefferson County after graduating from Stanford University to partner with his mother Ruth and mentor Frank Gall in running O'Sullivan Farms. He was actively involved in the West Virginia Thoroughbred industry and farmland preservation, working tirelessly for decades with legislators and community leaders to protect and enhance the industry in the state.
Funkhouser served as a member of the Charles Town Horsemen's Benevolent Protective Association (HBPA) for 25 years, including 16 years as president. He served on the boards of the National HBPA, West Virginia Thoroughbred Breeders Association, West Virginia Breeders Classics, the Museum of the Shenandoah Valley and was a founding member and organizer of the Charles Town Racetrack Chaplaincy.
He followed in the footsteps of his grandfather, RJ Funkhouser, in his passion for Jefferson County's rich culture, history and agriculture. Sons John and Joe carry on their father's legacy in the operation of the family farm and advocacy for horsemen in West Virginia.
Funkhouser recently published a book of poetry, Shenandoah Valley Sketches.
Funkhouser is survived by his beloved wife of 46 years, Clissy, sons John and Joe Funkhouser, daughter Kate Brown, son-in-law Mike Brown, grandson Clyde Brown, sister Ann Strite-Kurz and a vast network of adoring family and friends and his loyal dog Finnegan. He is preceded in death by his mother, Ruth Funkhouser, father and step-mother Justin and Carolyn Funkhouser, sisters Carol Funkhouser and Pam Day and long-time mentor, Frank Gall. His brother Robert Funkhouser passed away Feb. 7.
A funeral service will be held Feb. 20, at 2 p.m. at Covenant Church, 7485 Shepherdstown Pike, Shepherdstown, West Virginia. The service will be live streamed, and the link can be found on the website www.randyfunkhouser.com.
In lieu of flowers, contributions may be sent to Charles Town Racetrack Chaplaincy, PO Box 1377, Charles Town, WV 25414. Or Friends of Happy Retreat, PO Box 1427 Charles Town, WV 25414 (https://www.happyretreat.org/donate/). Or The Bridge Community Church 114 S. Fairfax Blvd., Ranson WV 25438 (https://thebridgewv.church/give).
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