Dr. Randolph "Randy" Lee Pifer

Captain, Randolph (Randy/Doc) Lee Pifer, MD of Keyser, WV, age 85, departed this life on January 31, 2026, at UPMC Hospital, Cumberland, MD following a brief illness. He was born on March 23, 1940, in Charleston, SC, the son of the late Grahm E. and Margaret (Maggie) Murphy Pifer of Keyser, WV.

Randy’s love of knowledge and teaching began early in life. He read before starting school and received many awards in elementary school. In eighth grade, he was knighted in the Golden Horseshoe Society by West Virginia Governor, William Marland. This award was presented to one student in each county that exceled in West Virginia history. As an adult he continued to bring West Virginia history to life for others.   

Randy graduated from Keyser High School in 1958 and then entered Potomac State College. In 1962 he graduated from West Virginia University in Morgantown with BA in science. His dream was to become a physician and in May 1966 he graduated from WVU School of Medicine. His clinical specialty was Pediatrics. He left WV and moved to Akron, Ohio to do a one-year internship and residency at Akron City Hospital. During that time, he did weekly lectures and was honored with the titled of “Chief Resident.”         

During those years of residency training (1968 – 1972), Randy was called to serve his country. He entered the United States Air Force which led him to a B-52 base in Southeast Asia Thailand during the Vietnam War (U-Tapao Royal Thai Navy Airfield).  Word spread of a doctor who would treat the Thai community. Of course, the base was not equipped with needs for infants, so Randy designed his own incubator to fly his preemies to Bangkok Hospital for specialized care. 

Once returning from duty, he entered private practice with Dr. Myrl Nafziger in Wadsworth, Ohio where they served the community for over 20 years. When his partner retired, Randy felt the tug of the WV mountains. His brother Gerald Pifer told him of an opportunity to work with WVU students.  He immediately applied and became one of Student Health’s favorites. He was awarded Best Employee of the Year twice while working there. He not only found happiness in his work, but he found his love, Kimberly. Randy retired in 2000, just around the time when charting began to be computerized and he was not interested in this new way of practice. 

In 2001, Randy and Kim married in Randy’s hometown, Keyser, WV. They purchased a 1900 home that they loved and lived in for 25 years. During those years, neighbors and friends started referring to him as “Doc.”  Another honor which he cherished. 

In 2025, Randy entered Dawnview Nursing Facility, Fort Ashby, WV  due to advanced Alzheimer’s disease. During his stay, “Doc” was loved by the staff, residents, and visitors.  He enjoyed roaming the halls and especially his visits to the administration/nursing offices, kitchen, and activities room. It seemed to him he kept Dawnview running smoothly. Everyone knew him! A true blessing for a well-lived life. 

Randy was predeceased by a favorite nephew, Clinton L. Pifer and stepson, Matthew A. Friend and his father-in-law, Marvin F. Osler. He is survived by his wife, Kimberly Osler Friend Pifer, his brother, Dr. Robert G. (Jerry) & his wife, Barbara Pifer, his stepson, Christopher J. Friend, and former wife, Carla J. Friend,  grandson, Cayden J. Friend, mother-in-law Sara Barbara "Sally" Osler, sister-in-laws and spouses, Cindy and Rick King, Amy & John Clinton, brother-in laws, Doug and his wife, Sami Osler and Bryon Osler. In addition, he is survived by his lovely niece, Laura Rider & husband, Steve and their children along with other nieces and nephews of the Osler clan. He also leaves behind his life-time friend, Nathaniel Edward Taylor, II (Ed/Eddie). 

Kimberly would like to thank Dawnview Nursing Care for their exceptional staff and the dignity they provide for “Doc” and their residents. 

Viewing will be held at the Markwood Funeral Home, Mineral St., Keyser from 1:00 to 3:00 pm on Saturday, February 7 followed by a brief service. Burial will be at a later date at Queen’s Point Cemetery in Keyser, WV. 

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