At age 75, Randy Alan Motz passed away peacefully at home in Hendersonville, Tennessee, following a brief and devastating battle with acute myeloid leukemia. His life was defined by his deep love for family, music, and adventure. His purpose was always clear — to educate, entertain, and inspire.

Randy often repeated that what matters most is what we do with the dash between the date of our birth and the date of our death. He lived that belief fully each day, embracing life with joy, gratitude, and unwavering faith as he looked forward to meeting his Great Creator.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Ralph and Dorothy Motz, who passed away in Bedford, Virginia, in 2019.

He is survived by his devoted wife, partner, best friend, and fellow hiking adventurer, Georgia L. Harris; his daughters Rebecca (Mark) Sturtz and Harmony (Joe) Kirk; his son Travis (Dana) Motz; and his daughter Aja Brown. He treasured his seven grandchildren — Addison, Jackson, Tommy, Nola, Rowan, Fallon, and Reina — and delighted in playing, laughing, making music, and exploring with each of them.

Randy is also survived by his siblings, Brian (Cathy) Motz and Pam Motz; his former wife and mother of his children, Ronice Daumit, his extended family, including mother-in-law Anita Hartigan, brother-and sister-in-law John and Cole Hartigan, and sister-in-law Linda Hartigan; and many dear friends and loyal fans who shared in his passion for family, hiking, and his creative journey.

Born and raised in New Jersey, Randy later made his home in Maryland, where he and Georgia raised their blended family. In later years, they embraced full-time travel, exploring the world and then the United States together in a large diesel motorhome while based in Texas. At the end of 2024, they established a base camp in Hendersonville, Tennessee, from which they continued traveling the country in a smaller motorhome.

Known in the hiking community by his trail name, “Windtalker,” Randy earned the name while hiking the Appalachian Trail in 2006 alongside Georgia, whose trail name was “Mom.” The name endured — and “Windtalker” became his musical identity as well.

A gifted musician, Randy produced six albums (several award winning) of Native American–style flute music and instrumental compositions, blending the haunting tones of the flute with subtle classic rock influences. He had recently begun learning the cello and previously played bass guitar in church worship bands. During his years in Maryland, Randy brought The Windtalker Experience — a multimedia blend of music, storytelling, and audience participation — to coffeehouses, retirement communities, and memory care centers, often performing up to eighty shows per year.

His music and videos, created and produced with Georgia, can be found on the Windtalker Music YouTube channel, featuring live performances and beautiful improvised pieces recorded in inspiring locations across the country. Together, they also co-authored two books chronicling their Appalachian Trail journey — one centered on hiking as a couple and the other reflecting their shared walk of faith.

Randy lived a full, creative, and deeply loving life that touched countless people. He will be remembered for his boundless curiosity, passion for life, love for learning and entertaining, and profound connection to nature and faith. His music and legacy will continue to inspire all who were fortunate enough to know him, love him, and hear him.

No formal funeral service is planned. The family kindly requests no flowers or gift baskets. In Randy’s honor, memorial tree plantings, musical tributes, or donations to the Appalachian Trail Museum are warmly appreciated. A private family celebration of life and ash-casting ceremony will be held at a future date.

When words can’t fully express what we want to say, sometimes a small gift can. Visit our Memorial Store for personalised gifts, keepsake jewellery and to plant a memorial tree.

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Randy Windtalker Motz Obituary | Choice Cremation