Reginald "Sam" Goodwin Jr.

1934 - 2021

Reginald "Sam" Goodwin, Jr.
October 25, 1934 - July 11, 2021
Meridian, Idaho - Whenever Reginald "Sam" Goodwin, Jr. walked into a room, he made an impression. His posture still reflected that of an Air Force colonel long after he retired, and his twinkling blue eyes hinted at mischief. If you knew both traits, you were lucky to have known him as a friend, a mentor, a beloved family member, or the recipient of one of his many acts of random kindness.
Sam was born to humble beginnings in Shreveport, Louisiana on October 25, 1934. He would attribute his later success, in large part, to meeting Sara Jane Poulan, in the eighth grade. He was smitten from the beginning and married the girl of his dreams on June 18, 1954 — a marriage that would last over 67 years — shortened only by Sam's death on July 11, 2021, after a very brief illness.
He was ambitious beyond the bounds of his upbringing. He joined the ROTC in high school. This affiliation facilitated a college degree in mechanical engineering from Louisiana Tech University, and later a masters degree in industrial engineering from the same institution. He joined the United States Air Force and proceeded to climb the ranks in service of his country. Missiles were his specialty, but the Vietnam war sent him to Asia aboard numerous B-52 bombers. After 27 years of service, and assignments too numerous to count or recollect, he retired. At the time, he was commander of F. E. Warren AFB in Cheyenne, Wyoming.
Never one to sit still, he later worked for Martin Marietta in its missile programs in Colorado and California, and later took on tax preparation in Boise, Idaho, where he had moved in 1995, to be closer to family. Boise was a place he was proud to call his "forever home."
Sam was a man of integrity, honor, and compassion. He could be found dressed as Santa, in the bitter cold of winter, handing out candy canes to passing motorists admiring the neighborhood holiday decor. He bought gas and groceries for strangers. Hillview United Methodist Church was the beneficiary of countless hours of his financial expertise, lawn care, painting, and Sunday morning duties as greeter, liturgist, usher, and resident antagonist to preschoolers and teens alike. In recent years, he was the dedicated caretaker of wife Sara, as she battled the ravaging effects of Parkinson's disease.
His family meant everything to him, and he to them. He was the pride of those who passed before him: his parents, Reginald Sam Goodwin, Sr. and Virginia Bussey Goodwin, and his sister, Judy Goodwin Eubanks. He was the loving father to daughter, Karen Elaine (Kimbal) Gowland of Boise, Idaho, and James Kenneth (Kelly) Goodwin, of Denver, Colorado. He was also the kind, wise, and involved grandfather to Reginald Duane (Emilie) Gowland, Riley Cole (Taylor) Gowland, and James Chase (Janet) Goodwin. Jack McCoy Gowland (2) and Arlee Jane Gowland, born the week before Sam's death, will hear many stories of their greatgrandfather, but will miss his infamous "gizzard-wiggles" that brought peals of laughter amid relentless tickling.
Services will be held at 9:00 a.m. on August 20, 2021, at Hillview United Methodist Church with a private interment of ashes following at the Idaho State Veteran's Cemetery. Donations may be made to the Hillview United Methodist Church Legacy Endowment Program or to a favorite charity.