Captain Willard Randall Coyner, USAF (Ret.), known by his friends and family as “Randy”, passed away peacefully in the arms of God and surrounded by friends and family on Saturday, January 17, 2026.
Born on July 22, 1941, in Clarksburg, to Woodrow and Lucille Coyner, Randy was preceded in death by his brother, Bill; and is survived by his niece, Lois Coyner Green; grandnieces, Kirsten Dale Green and Brookelyn Green; and grandnephew, Ryan Andrew Coyner.
Randy graduated from Washington Irving High School in Clarksburg in 1960. He was “A friend to all” in the student body, and was active on the sports scene, lettering in football and track. He excelled in track, where was the conference champion in the 440-yard race.
Randy attended school in West Virginia, most notably receiving his bachelor’s degree, in business management, from West Virginia University in Morgantown, graduating in 1965. Randy was a lifetime faithful Mountaineer as evidenced by his signature yellow WV Mountaineer’s hat he wore every day.
After college, Randy entered the United States Air Force, in Clarksburg, in 1965 as a Second Lieutenant and later attained the rank of Captain, serving in the USAF Security Service. During the Vietnam War, Captain Coyner was deployed overseas to Da Nang, Vietnam, and eventually returned to serve the remainder of his service at Wheeler AFB on Oahu near Honolulu, Hawaii. During his service he received eight service awards, including Distinguished Service. Randy was honorably discharged from the USAF in August 1970.
While stationed in Hawaii, Randy met the love of his life, a Graduate student at University of Hawaii, Connie Piotrowski, where they enjoyed activities such as sailing and snorkeling. Connie and Randy were married on October 10, 1970, in Hamtramck, Michigan.
Randy and Connie moved to California, where Randy began his Real Estate career. He had a very successful career for over 40 years. His sales and success during these decades are immeasurable.
Randy was an incredible adventurist. He loved to travel. His adventures took him sailing and hang-gliding, he had a private pilot’s license and was scuba certified.
Randy was a strong man of faith and a loyal member of the Community Presbyterian Church of Danville. Randy studied the Bible every day and put his faith in Jesus Christ. Randy was an inspiration to everyone who knew him.
Services for Captain Coyner will take place at the Sacramento Valley National Cemetery, 5810 Midway Road: Dixon, Calif., at 11:30 a.m. Thursday, February 12.
A reception celebration of Randy’s life will be at 3 p.m. Friday, February 13, at the Danville, Calif. Veteran’s Memorial Building, San Ramon Valley, 400 Hartz Avenue, Danville, Calif.
In lieu of flowers, please make donations in Randy’s name to The Sentinels of Freedom, a veteran’s support organization: PO Box 1316, San Ramon, CA. 94583.
Donations, in his memory, can be made to: sentinelsoffreedom.org
