Ronald David Goodman

January 12, 2018

Ronald David Goodman, age 61 of Cantonment, Florida, left his earthly home and went home to be with the Lord on Saturday, January 6, 2018.

He was preceded in death by his father, Rev. Hal T. Goodman, Sr. and his sister, Julie Burnette Goodman.

He is survived by his wife – Karen Williams Goodman, his mother – Nelle Burnette Goodman, sister – Rhetta Goodman, brother, Hal T. “Tim” Goodman, Jr., parents-in-law – Rev. Curtis and Mrs. Dolly Williams, several aunts, uncles and cousins, and many sons, daughters, brothers and sisters in Christ.

Flowers will be accepted or memorials may be made to Apple of His Eye Ministries, P.O. Box 22, Cantonment, Florida .
There were very few times in Ron’s life when he got in a hurry. The first was at his birth – late on a chilly December night our parents almost did not make it to the hospital before he appeared in the wee hours of December 27. Then, last Saturday night, he left this earth very quickly to go be with His Lord, without even saying good-bye.

Ron was born “the son of a preacher man,” hearing about Jesus from the very beginning. When he was 3 or 4 years old he was riding his tricycle in the back yard while Mama was hanging out clothes. He said, “Mama, Rhetta is saved, isn’t she?” Mama said yes. He then asked, “I’m not saved, am I?” Mama said, “No, do you want to be?” He did, and she led him in asking Jesus to be His Savior. Did he live like Jesus, from that day on? No, like most of the rest of us he hit some rough spots along the way, especially as a young teen. But in his junior or senior year of high school – he had a literal “upper room” experience with the Lord. He was baptized with the Holy Spirit and answered the Lord’s call to serve Him with the many gifts he had been given as guitarist, vocalist, psalmist, teacher. His passion in life was making music to glorify God. He was a gifted musician and psalmist – one of the best guitarists and vocalists around!

After graduating from Anniston High School in Anniston, AL in 1974, he enrolled in Emmanuel College in Franklin Springs, GA, and graduated with a Bachelor’s Degree in Christian Ministries in 1978. While there he sang in a Gospel Quartet and helped form and play in what probably was the first Christian Rock Band on campus.

He served in various capacities of ministry after college in the Huntsville, AL/Fayetteville, TN area – where he also had a job as the “slaw chef” at a local KFC. He served as pastor of a small congregation in Enterprise, AL. He came to the Cantonment area and served as a youth leader at Cantonment Pentecostal Holiness Church where his dad was pastor. Several young men testify of his impact on their lives during this time of ministry.

He courted and married Karen “Kay” Williams, he would say one of the best things he ever did. They settled in Pensacola and he took a position as Job Estimator for a commercial paint contractor. He stayed with that career choice. His last boss, Wilson Robertson, once said he was the best job estimator around. He was employed by Robertson-Curtis at the time of his passing.

Ron was privileged to become a part of the Brownsville Revival – singing on the worship team, in the choir and playing his guitar. He and Karen later established Apple of His Eye Ministries which included a fellowship group in their home and ministry to Israel – where he took every opportunity to lead people into the presence of the Lord through music.
Three years ago, last December, Ron suffered a stroke, which greatly affected his ability to express his musical gifts. That, combined with his on-going battle with diabetes and its effects, were very hard on him, physically and emotionally. We were praying for God to completely restore him, and He chose to do just that, just not in the way our minds had pre-conceived. He is now completely made whole and in the Presence of Jesus, our Savior and Lord!

Friends were  invited to a visitation with the family on Friday, January 12, 2018 at Eastern Gate Memorial Funeral Home which was immediately followed by a service.

Arrangements were entrusted to Eastern Gate Memorial Funeral Home.

Comments

One Response to “Ronald David Goodman”

  1. marcelle a perritt on April 17th, 2018 2:55 pm

    Sis. Goodman and Kay: I just learned of Ronnies passing. I am so sorry for your loss.

Written by William Reynolds · Filed Under Obituaries