Ned Loyd Randle, one of the sport’s pioneers and a member of the Randle family whose involvement in the sport pre-dates track racing, passed away on Jan. 15. A resident of Tuskegee, Al., he was 93.

Mr. Randle (born Oct. 21, 1915) and his siblings were reared on the family Greyhound farm of their parents, Mr. and Mrs. Boyd Randle, of Idana, Ks. After four years of service during World War II, Mr. Randle joined with his brothers Gene and Ray to operate the Randle Brothers Kennel. For an investment of $50,000 they purchased a 160-acre farm just east of Wichita, Ks., in 1946 and built it into one of the largest, most modern and best equipped Greyhound farms in the country at that time.

Ned and Ray, assist by youngest brother Arvin, ran the farm while eldest brother Gene and another brother, Duane, stayed at the racetrack.

Among the Greyhounds raised by Ned, Ray and Arvin at the farm was Real Huntsman, one of the true immortals of the sport who was among the first three inductions into the Greyhound Hall Of Fame in 1963. Real Huntsman’s long list of accomplishments included back-to-back American Derby wins in 1950-51.

All five of the brothers, along with their father, have been inducted into the Pioneer Section of the Hall Of Fame, Ned’s induction coming in 1995.

The Randles’ kennel that raced at St. Petersburg and Southland was hailed as one of the best ever. The brothers continued to operate the business until 1954 when a new interstate highway split the farm into two sections, and the brothers dissolved the partnership.

Afterward, Mr. Randle raised pups on his Ocala, Fl., farm then later on his farm in Alabama. His Dixieland Kennel charges proved to be a formidable opponent to competing kennels.

He was not one to seek hype or glory; a reputation for raising “good dogs” was publicity enough for him. Over seven decades his best efforts and hard work accounted for countless top-quality racers, including Hello Hilda, Eiland, Sujen and Party Partner. He raised many of the top stars that raced for his brothers’ (Gene and Duane) kennels.

“Dad was one of the good guys in the business,” Ned’s daughter, Leslie, told the Review. “His word and handshake were his bond. I worked with him and Mom in the business here in Alabama from 1987 to 1998 when he retired. When he died he had entered the high-tech age using a laptop to watch streaming video of his last Greyhound, Great Boss, make it to Grade A at Gulf Greyhound Park. He was not only a wonderful dad, but a great boss.”

Survivors include his wife, Ernestine Randle; daughters Rhonda Edrington (Bard) and Leslie Jolly (Ron); brother, Arvin Randle (Joan); grandchildren Bard Edrington VI, Cole Edrington, Randy Randle, April Bass, Amy Randle, Steve Randle, Zack Randle and Mariah Randle; and seven great-grandchildren.

He was preceded in death by sons Kean Randle and Kirk Randle; brothers Gene, Ray and Duane; and sisters Dorothy Losey, Lily Dunn and Nelda Rogero.

In lieu of flower, the family requests donations to Community Hospice Care, 805 Friendship Rd., Tallassee, AL 36078.