Ray N. Goodson

Black Oak� Ray Noel Goodson, 85, died Tuesday, September 4, 2007 at St Bernard Medical Center. He was born near Harrisburg on October 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 received his BS in Education from ASU and worked toward his Masters Degree in Special Education. His last 15 years of teaching was in Special Education. 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 8 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 and they would have celebrated 62 years of Marriage on September 5, 2007; a son, David R. Goodson and his wife Sharon of Paragould; a daughter, Gayla Schoenborn and her husband, Bob, Jr. of Jonesboro; one 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, Washington and one 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 will be held at 11:00 a.m. on Friday, September 7, 2007 at the Black Oak Baptist Church with Rev. Maurice Hitt officiating. Burial will follow in the City Cemetery in Jonesboro under the direction of Gregg Funeral Home in Monette. The family will receive friends from 5:00 p.m. until 8:00 p.m. on Thursday, September 6, 2007 at the Gregg Funeral Home in Monette. Honor to serve as pallbearers, Dr. Robert Flannigan Jr., George Morris, Paul McAnally, Keith Harris, Robert Goodson, Adam Morris and honorary pallbearers, Stan Langley, Norman Williams, Dr. Dennis Parten, C.R. Brown, Dr. Revel Porter, Johnny Williams, Rev. Harold Ray The family requests lasting memorials be considered to the Craighead County and Jonesboro Public Library, 315 W. Oak, Jonesboro, AR 72401; the Arkansas Alzheimers Association, 10411 W. Markham St., Little Rock, AR 72205 or the Black Oak Baptist Church, P.O. Box 9, Black Oak, AR 72414.