Randolph Edwin “Randy” Abrams, a Social Security Administration executive, died of multiple system complications on June 14 at a Gwynn Oak assisted living home. He was 74 and lived in Woodlawn.

Born in Baltimore and raised on Riggs Avenue in West Baltimore, he was the son of James Abrams Sr., who owned and operated a Gilmor Street convenience store, and Irene Barber Abrams, who also worked in the store. He was the second son in a family of five children.

He attended Baltimore City Schools and was a 1967 graduate of Edmondson High School, now known as Edmondson Westside High School. He attended what is today the Baltimore City Community College, where he received statistical analysis and communications skill training.

In 1968, Mr. Abrams was drafted into the Army and served in Korea for two years.

When he returned, he worked at the old Bethlehem Steel Sparrows Point but was soon laid off.

He then changed careers.

“While he was laid off, a letter came that would change the course of his life — from blue collar to white collar,” said his sister, Sheila Abrams-Jones.

He joined the Social Security Administration headquarters at Woodlawn and began a career path to the agency’s highest ranks.

“He said he could never have imagined what lay ahead for him that fateful day in 1970 when he received a letter telling him that he had been hired by the Social Security Administration,” said his sister.

He started as a GS-4, or low level, file clerk in the Office of Central Operations.

“Randy learned the job quickly and thoroughly, leading to one promotion after another and eventually landing him in a claims processing position. While working as a GS-11 claims authorizer, he was surprised to learn that he was being considered to fill a vacant supervisory position,” said his sister. “He had an instinct for leadership. Fellow employees found his style both unique and endearing. He brought to the job his genuine love and concern for people.”

She described her brother as having a wry, quick wit.

“Former employees still recall his legendary quotes,” she said.

Mr. Abrams moved throughout the Social Security Administration Central Operations and was often assigned to troubled spots, his sister said,

He rose to become Deputy Associate Commissioner for Central Operations and oversaw thousands of workers.

Mr. Abrams retired in 2011 from SSA after over 40 years of service.

He was married for 36 years to Mary Catherine Carmichael. She died in 2013.

Mr. Abrams was an active member of Rising Sun First Baptist Church in Woodlawn. He was a church deacon and led devotions during the worship service. He was also the liaison between the pastor and the congregation. Among his many roles, he was a security officer, sexton, assistant to the church administrator, substitute trustee and auditor, church photographer and sat on several committees.

A visitation will be held from 5 p.m. to 8 p.m. July 11 at the Chatman-Harris Funeral Home West at 5024 Reisterstown Road. A graveside service will be held at 1 p.m. July 12 at Garrison Forest Veterans Cemetery in Owings Mills.

Survivors include his daughter, Monica Ackers Terrelonge, of Baltimore; a sister, Sheila Abrams-Jones, of Woodstock; a brother, Ronald Rodney Abrams, of Baltimore; and three granddaughters.

A life celebration will be held at a later date.