Charles McGoff

Charles Emmett "Charlie" McGoff, 92, passed away peacefully at his home near Decatur, Georgia, on December 15, 2024. Born on December 27, 1931, in St. Louis, Missouri, Charlie lived a rich and fulfilling life dedicated to his family, community, and passions.

He attended St. Luke's Catholic Elementary School and McBride Catholic High School before serving in the U.S. Air Force from 1951 to 1955, stationed in Alaska and Arizona. After his service, he returned to St. Louis and took classes at Washington University. In the summer of 1955, he met Dorothy Burns, the love of his life, at Castlewood swimming pool. They married in January 1957 and together raised eight children.

Charlie enjoyed a successful 35-year career as a sales engineer and manager with Barber Colman Company, earning the prestigious National Salesman of the Year award in 1979. Later, he launched his own thriving business, McGoff Pyrotech, which became McGoff-Bethune. His work brought his family to Decatur in 1965, where they lived for nearly 60 years.

A civic-minded man, Charlie co-founded the Medlock Floodplain Coalition to protect local floodplains and supported numerous charitable causes, including helping pregnant mothers, homeless teens, and the hungry. He also served as Scoutmaster for a local Cub Scout troop and was an officer with Medlock Little League.

Charlie was a skilled woodworker, crafting everything from birdhouses to rocking horses. He loved ragtime jazz, playing piano, swimming, storytelling, and writing poetry. Above all, he cherished his family, instilling in them values of faith, hard work, and humor.

He is predeceased by his son Matthew; granddaughter Colleen; great-grandson Everett; and brother Paul. He is survived by his beloved wife of 67 years, Dorothy; seven children-Mari McGoff Fahrner, Patrick Emmett McGoff, Michael Charles McGoff, Theresa McGoff Colcord, Kathleen McGoff, Erin McGoff Forsyth, and Peggy McGoff Pusateri; 19 grandchildren; and 10 great-grandchildren.

Visitation will be held on Monday, December 23rd, from 9:30 AM to 10:15 AM in the Narthex of St. Thomas More Church, 636 W Ponce de Leon Ave., Decatur, GA. A funeral Mass will follow at 10:30 AM. Burial services will take place at 1 PM at Honey Creek Woodlands burial ground, 2625 GA-212, Conyers, GA.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in Charlie's honor to Birthright (https://birthright.org/) or Covenant House (https://www.covenanthouse.org/).