Dexter B. Goodwin

Dexter B. Goodwin of Charlottesville, Va., died Wednesday, June 1, 2005, at Hospice House of the Piedmont, Charlottesville Va.

His wife, Betty, son Dexter Jr., and grandson were at his side.

Mr. Goodwin was born in Providence, R.I., and grew up in Boston and Martha's Vineyard, Mass.

Dexter played football and graduated from Roanoke College, Salem, Va., where he met his wife Betty.

A member of "The Greatest Generation", Goodwin enlisted in the Army Air Corps in December, 1941. He flew 68, combat missions over occupied Europe before returning home to Salem, Va., his wife and children.

Dexter and Betty raised three children in Branford, Conn., where he was stationed to teach Air Force ROTC at Yale University, his last duty station before retiring as a major with 12 years of military service.

Dexter and Betty later retired to Martha's Vineyard where he was reunited with childhood friends and where he pursued his love of fishing and island activities.

He is survived by his wife of 66 years; his two daughters, Bevin Cetta of Charlottesville, Va., and Anne Draper of Chattahoochee, Fla.; his son, Dexter Jr. of Greenville, S.C., and his sister, Natalie Clancy of Boston, Mass.

Dexter, nicknamed "Primo" in high school, "Thunder" in the military, and "Major" by his friends and family, will always be remembered for his wit, his love of family, friends, athletics, and "not having a mean bone in his body".

Major was dearly loved by his two sons-in-law, nine grandchildren, and 13 great-grandchildren.

"Good night Darling, I love you".

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made in his memory to Hospice House of the Piedmont, 501 Park Street, Charlottesville, VA 22902.

Teague Funeral Service is in charge of arrangements.