Robert Keith Goodman

Robert (Bob) Keith Goodman of Goldsboro, North Carolina left his earthly life on Thursday afternoon at Kitty Askins Hospice Center in Goldsboro surrounded by his loved ones. A memorial service & visitation will be held Sunday, February 12, 2012 at 4:00 pm at Seymour Funeral Home & Cremation Service, Inc. with the Rev. Dr. James F. Garneau Ph.D. officiating. A native of Tracy City, Tenn., he was a graduate of Grundy County High School; Sewanee - University of the South and did Graduate Studies at UNC Chapel Hill. Robert worked with the Tennessee Forest Service and moved to Goldsboro in 1967 to begin a 32 year career at Wayne Community College as a Forestry Instructor and served as Chairman of the Ag & Natural Resources Dept. He would also work for many years as a Professional Forester. He was an avid lover of the outdoors, fighting forest fires, teaching, planting trees, yardsales, friends, his large family and 2 granddaughters. He has touched the lives of so many, and many have returned to him in his last days to offer their support. He was preceded in death by his loving wife of 47 years Esther Stephens Goodman; parents, Robert Dillon and Anita Goodman; beloved Uncle Edwin and Aunt Alma P. Shook. Left to cherish his memory are sons, Robbie Goodman of Goldsboro and Stevie Goodman and wife Lori of Seven Springs, NC. He was "Grandpa Bob"? to Jessica Grayce and Milah Gray Goodman, children of Stevie and Lori. He is also survived by three brothers, Carl Wayne Goodman (Hilary) of Signal Mtn., Tenn., Donnie R. Goodman (Tricia) of Ellijay, GA., Paul A. Goodman of Irmo, SC, and two sisters, Margaret Ann Gipson (Richard) of Jasper, Tenn., and Sue Young (Bill) of Murfreesboro, Tenn. Brothers and sisters-in-law include Christine Talbert (David), William Stephens (Faye), Kim Stephens (Perline) and Terri Henley (Richard) all of Tenn. Also surviving "Uncle Robert"? are 21 nieces and nephews, 31 great nieces and nephews, 3 great-great nieces and numerous cousins. He will forever be remembered by a host of special friends, neighbors, former Wayne Community College faculty, staff and students along with his 4 squirrel dogs and a cat. The family would like to sincerely thank the staff at Kitty Askins Hospice Center for their loving kindness and wonderful care during this time. Although flowers are welcome, the family suggests that donations be made to Kitty Askins Hospice Center in Goldsboro, NC. Online condolences may be sent to the family at www.seymourfuneralhome.com.