Ray Noel Goodson

Black Oak

Ray Noel Goodson, 85, died Tuesday, Sept. 4, 2007 at St Bernard Medical Center. He was born near Harrisburg on Oct. 17, 1921 to the late John Wiley Goodson and Laura Tucker Goodson and lived in Black Oak most of his life. He was a retired public school teacher for over 30 years having taught at Dixie, Black Oak and Monette schools. He also drove a school bus for 30 years without an accident. He was a member of the Retired Teachers Association and lifetime member of the PTA.

Mr. Goodson was active in civic affairs having served as mayor, alderman and treasurer, volunteer fireman for the town of Black Oak. He was the town coordinator for the first earthquake study in the area. He was a member of the Craighead County-Jonesboro Public Library Board where he served as President for eight years and helped pass the library tax in Craighead County. Mr. and Mrs. Goodson founded the first Boy Scout and Girl Scout organizations in Black Oak. He also worked with his brothers-in-law, the Rodgers brothers, in the General Store, Grain Elevator and Cotton Gin in Black Oak.

Mr. Goodson proudly served his country during World War II in the U.S. Army in England, Wales, Belgium, France and Germany. He was awarded the Purple Heart four times for being wounded and the Bronze Star with Valor for heroic action during the war. He was a member of the 103rd Engineering Combat Battalion, 28th Infantry Division. He was a life member of the Monette and Black Oak American Legion, Disable Veterans and former member of VFW.

Mr. Goodson was a member and deacon of the Black Oak Baptist Church for 60 years and taught Sunday School, Training Union and was the song director for many years.

Survivors include his wife, Permelia Rodgers Goodson; a son, David R. Goodson and wife Sharon of Paragould; a daughter, Gayla Schoenborn and husband, Bob, Jr. of Jonesboro; a brother, Leon Goodson of Jonesboro; two sisters, Geneva Wallace of Lake City and Berniece Thompson of Heber Springs; grandchildren, Heather and Gary Moody of Little Rock; Sarah Goodson of Houston, Texas, Traci Goodson of Conway, Thom and Amanda Schoenborn of Portland , Oregon, Stephanie and Bryan Senner of Washougal, Wash.; and a great-granddaughter, Grace Elizabeth Moody.

In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his brothers, his twin, Ralph Goodson, James Goodson, Carl Goodson and Ted Goodson, and a sister, Myrtle Harris.

A celebration of his life was held at 11 a.m. Friday at the Black Oak Baptist Church with Rev. Maurice Hitt officiating. Burial followed in the City Cemetery in Jonesboro under the direction of Gregg Funeral Home in Monette.

Pallbearers were Dr. Robert Flannigan Jr., George Morris, Paul McAnally, Keith Harris, Robert Goodson, Adam Morris. Honorary pallbearers were Stan Langley, Norman Williams, Dr. Dennis Parten, C.L. Brown, Dr. Revel Porter, Johnny Williams,and Rev. Harold Ray

The family requests lasting memorials be considered to the Craighead County and Jonesboro Public Library, 315 W. Oak, Jonesboro 72401; the Arkansas Alzheimers Association, 10411 W. Markham St., Little Rock 72205 or the Black Oak Baptist Church, P.O. Box 9, Black Oak 72414.