Joseph W. Goolsby

Joseph W. "Joe" Goolsby DAMASCUS, Va. Mr. Joseph W. "Joe" Goolsby, age 85, a well-known resident of Damascus, passed away on Wednesday, June 26, 2013. Born on June 24, 1928, in Johnson City, Tenn., he was a son of the late Joseph and Jonnie Goolsby. He was a graduate of Science Hill High School and also received a B.S. specializing in Music Education from East Tennessee State University. He was a U.S. Navy Veteran having served during the Korean War aboard a Naval Destroyer. He had a great love for music having begun his career as an assistant band director in Kingsport and Elizabethton, Tenn. After moving to Damascus he was instrumental in the Washington County Public School System having dedicated many years to both Band and Chorus. He started Band at Damascus High School in 1955 and also at Holston High School in 1964. He later taught Band and Chorus at Abingdon High School. Mr. Goolsby cherished the moments he had while instructing his students. He felt honored to have had the privilege to teach in his community. He also shared a great love for sports. He had served as the assistant coach under the late Jerry Ferguson in Little League Baseball. Mr. Goolsby was a member of Central Baptist Church in Johnson City and also of the First Baptist Church in Damascus where he had served as Choir Director. He was also a former Choir Director at Rosedale Baptist Church in Abingdon. He was preceded in death by his wife, Barbara Ann Goolsby in 2007. He is survived by his children, Jody Goolsby of Johnson City, Cathy Esser of Limestone, Ten., Nancy Goolsby of Abingdon and Susan Lester and husband Michael of Glade Spring; grandchildren, Phillip Lester, Nicole Lester and Danielle Esser; brother, Don Blackburn and wife Rhonda of Elizabethton; sister, Lynn Moore and husband Harold of Jacksonville, Fla.; and several nieces and nephews. The family would like to mention his special friends, Ralph Cox, the late Francis Fleenor, Victoria Fletcher, Sandie Taylor and Megan Taylor. As well as express thanks to Dr. William Handy and Valley Health Care Center for the care they gave Mr. Goolsby. Visitation will be from 12:30 to 2 p.m. Saturday, June 29, 2013, at Frost Funeral Home. Funeral services will be held at 2 p.m. at the funeral home with Mr. David Matlock officiating. Interment will follow in Forest Hills Memory Gardens with military honors. Honorary pallbearers will be Gerald Hayes, Clinton Blackburn, Vernon Waters, Sid Lett, Eugene Lester, Bill Trivette, Jim Fletcher and Paul Cobb. Online condolences may be expressed to the family at www.frostfuneralhome.com Frost Funeral Home & Cremation Services, 250 E. Main Street, Abingdon, VA, is honored to serve the family of Mr. Goolsby.