Samuel Edward Goodman

A loving husband, father, grandfather, great-grandfather, brother, uncle…. our “Pops!” This is the legacy that we have for Samuel E. Goodman. God called home another one of his angels/soldiers, to receive his wings. Samuel E. Goodman, 92, transitioned peacefully on Tuesday, July 30, 2024, at Riverside Hospital, surrounded by loved ones.

Born on August 23, 1931, in Suffolk Virginia to the late Mary and William Goodman. He was the second of five children, (William, Samuel, Mary-Elizabeth, Virginia, and Roland). He was preceded in death by his beloved wife, Fannie Mae Goodman, son Manfred Woody, and brother William Goodman. Samuel was educated in Suffolk, Virginia.

He joined the United States Air Force in 1951 and had an illustrious military career. He was so enormously proud to be a longtime veteran of the military. He served active duty as well as civil service in locations to include the Vietnam War, Thule Greenland, South Dakota, North Carolina, MacDill AFB in Tampa Florida, and in Avon Park, Florida. He served in several roles while in the United States Air Force. But we feel that he served with particular distinction as the Manager of the NCO and Officers Clubs.

He loved wearing his military caps, taking rides in his little sports car, and eating a cup of ice cream every night before bed. He was a quiet, short man, with a huge presence. We often spoke of how fitting his last name was because he was truly a “Good Man” in every sense of the word.

Those left to cherish his memory are daughters Sylvia Woody Rose (Donovan), of Yorktown Virginia, Brenda Renee Brown (Julian) of Fayetteville, NC, son Jerome Milton Woody, of Newport News, VA; seven grandchildren, Kimber Lee Howard, Deja Rose Darrington (Brandon), Malcolm Lee Chester (Lani), Donovan J Rose, Jr., Jerome Milton Woody, Jr., Amber Lestancia Woody, and Samaia Kay Chester, and four great-grandchildren, Alexandra and Aurora Darrington and Kaliyah and Colell Massey; two sisters, Mary Elizabeth Jordan and Virginia Rollins of Columbus, Ohio; brother Rev. Roland L. Goodman (Vivian) of Wichita, Kansas; and a host of nieces, nephews and other special relatives and friends.

Sam to most, Mr. Goodman to some, and beloved “Pops” to his children and grandchildren. You will be missed beyond measure. We love you so very much. How blessed we all are to have known such a “Good Man.” 

A public viewing will be held 4:00-7:00pm, Wednesday, August 7, 2024 at Crocker Funeral Home, Inc. A celebration of life will be held 1:00pm, Thursday, August 8, 2024 at Antioch United Church of Christ. Mr. Goodman will be laid to rest at Albert G. Horton, Jr. Memorial Veterans Cemetery. Professional services with dignity have been entrusted to Crocker Funeral Home, Inc.