In every community, there are a few rare people who leave an unforgettable mark—individuals whose kindness, humility, and willingness to help seem to touch everyone they meet. For the Middle Tennessee healthcare and senior-services community, that person was Randy Bauch.

Randy was the man everyone knew. The one who would do anything for anyone. If you were new to the networking world, Randy was the first to take you under his wing—introducing you to every person you needed to know, walking you into rooms with confidence you didn’t yet have, and making sure you felt supported from day one. He could help you find a job, help you connect with the right people, and help you feel like you belonged.

He was also the guy who showed up early to set up technology for a Lunch & Learn, stayed late to clean up afterward, and quietly went without food if the meal line ran short. He never complained. He never expected recognition. His heart simply didn’t work that way.

Long before social media became the networking machine it is today, Randy was doing it all manually—sharing events, promoting professionals, lifting others up, and creating community connections with his own two hands. He was the original Social Media “guru” before social media was the thing.

And for those of us fortunate enough to truly know him, work alongside him, or serve with him on boards across Middle Tennessee, losing Randy on October 3, 2020 meant losing a genuine, passionate soul who shaped the very foundation of our professional community.

Randy adored his family. His wife Leigh Ann and his son Preston were the center of his heart and the light of his world. Anyone who spent time with Randy knew how proud he was to be a husband and father. His joy was contagious when he talked about Preston’s future, especially when he enrolled at Lee—something that brought us many long, meaningful conversations.

My (Toni) own journey with Randy began back in 2010–2011, when I was brand new to Nashville and brand new to healthcare marketing. I was terrified walking into those early networking events, unsure of myself and my place in this enormous professional world. Randy changed that for me. He was one of the first people to welcome me with kindness and encouragement. Anytime our paths crossed—in hospitals, SNFs, or community events—he made space to talk, to check in, and to offer support.

Later, when I served with him on a board, I experienced his generosity on an even deeper level. While I was dealing with severe migraines, he was working with Clinical Research Associates. Randy didn’t hesitate—he did everything he could to help me get into a clinical trial. That was who he was: if you needed help, he showed up. No hesitation. No conditions. No expectations.

Across Middle Tennessee, Randy became the “go-to” person in the Senior Industry.

Need a job? Call Randy.

Need volunteers? Ask Randy.

Need an event shared? Send it to Randy.

Need help with anything at all? Randy was already on his way.

He didn’t limit his time or talents to one organization. He didn’t play favorites. He didn't care about credit. He simply cared about people—truly, deeply, and wholeheartedly.

Looking back now, I realize how much of an example he set for every one of us. In my early days, I remember seeing his posts and thinking: I want to be like Randy someday. Not because he was everywhere… but because he lifted everyone.

If we could all be a little more like Randy—kind, giving, selfless, and humble—the Senior Industry, and the world itself, would be a much better place.

Each year, we honor Randy’s extraordinary legacy through the Randy Bauch Distinguished Service Award, presented to a professional who exemplifies Randy’s heart, passion, and unwavering dedication to others. It is more than an award—it is a reminder. A call to lead with service. A challenge to lift people the way Randy lifted all of us.

To Randy—

Thank you for your kindness.

Thank you for your heart.

Thank you for the trail you blazed for all of us who follow.

Our community is better because you were here, and your legacy continues in every connection made, every hand extended, and every act of service we give.