William J. Goodnight

William J. "Bill" Goodnight, 77, of Midland, greeted his Lord on Friday morning, Sept. 3, 2010, at Bickford Cottage.

The son of the late Olan B. and Rena A. (James) Goodnight was born in Flint on Aug. 17, 1933, where he was raised and educated, graduating from Flint Central High School. Bill served in the U.S. Navy Hospital Corp during the Korean Conflict. He graduated from the University of Michigan Flint with a bachelor of science degree. On July 19, 1958, in Flint, Bill married the former Florence Thompson. She died on March 16, 2008. Bill worked in advertising sales for the Flint Journal and in public accounting prior to moving to Midland in 1966. He had been employed with Bandeen Chevrolet in Midland until retiring in 1990 after 24 years of service.

Bill had a love for woodworking, and including others in his projects. His many skills had been passed down from his own father, and through the years those same skills have been passed on to his son and son-in-law. Countless friends through the years have had the privilege to receive one of his pieces or enjoy the opportunity to work alongside Bill in his shop. His outdoor enjoyments included fishing and camping. He and Florence enjoyed traveling and wintering in Bradenton, Fla. He was especially proud of his four granddaughters and delighted in attending their many activities.

Bill served on the board of trustees for Pardee Cancer Treatment Fund and was a member of the Free & Accepted Mason Midland Centre Lodge 273 and Shriners. He attended Midland Evangelical Free Church.

Surviving are Bill's son, Jeffrey (Kimberely) Goodnight; daughter, Debra (Chris) Shirk all of Midland; granddaughters, Heather and Holly Goodnight, Erica and Julie Shirk; sister, Melba Paynter of Flint; nephews, Charles (Sandy) Spencer of East Tawas, Lon (Thora) Goodnight of Midland, Steve (Sarah) Goodnight of Orland Park, Ill., and Ronald Thompson Jr. of Flint; niece, Connie (Tim) Barron of Gaines; and sister-in-law, Donna Thompson of Flint. In addition to his parents, Bill was preceded in death by his brother and sister-in-law, Duane and Shirley Goodnight.

Funeral services will take place 11 a.m., Wednesday, Sept. 8, 2010, from Wilson MILLER Funeral Home. The Rev. Rod Lyon will officiate. Interment will follow in Midland City Cemetery with full military honors being provided by U.S. Navy Honors and Midland Area Veterans. Family will receive friends at the funeral home on Tuesday from 2-4 and 6-8 p.m., and on Wednesday from 10 a.m. until the time of service. Memorials may be offered to Pardee Cancer Treatment Fund or the organization of one's choice.