Lari Goss Obituary
Brentwood, TN
Mr. Lari Goss, age 69 of Brentwood, TN, went to be with the Lord, January 10, 2015.
His career in music started as a young boy with the Goss Brothers and spanned over 60 years. He was a Grammy Award recipient, won numerous Dove Awards, was inducted into the Gospel Music Hall of Fame along with several Lifetime Achievement Awards. In addition to his music, he was an ordained minister.
Preceded in death by parents, Benjamin A. & Annie Mae Elrod, brother, James Walton Goss.
Survived by wife, Carolyn Fuqua Goss; sons, B.J. (Julie) Goss, Nicholas (RaeAnna) Goss, Jonathan Goss and Cameron Goss; brother, Roni (Linda) Goss; grandchildren, Samantha, Joseph, Alexandria, Christian & Eva Mae Goss.
Funeral services will be conducted 11 a.m. Thursday, January 15, 2015 at Brentwood Baptist Church, Pastors Jim Cymbala and Stan Mitchell officiating. Visitation will be one hour prior to the service at the church. Private family burial will be in Williamson Memorial Gardens.
Memorials may be made to the Tennessee Baptist Children's Home.
Visitation will also be 5-9 p.m. Wednesday at:
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Mike Mann
January 7, 2025
I'm quite stunned to realize that it's been 10 years since Lari went to Jesus. My memories remain for his mentorship with me and his incredible talent. I pray that you Carolyn and your children have been blessed with the presence of God and Lari's legacy also remains with all of you. Over these years, I've mentioned Lari many times, remembering his wisdom and giftedness. May his legacies stay with us until we are reunited with him in the presence of our Savior. Miss you Lari!
Mike Mann
January 7, 2024
My music friends and I still speak of Lari, missing him and remembering his immense talent. My fondest will be how he took me, a new and green musician to the Nashville area, and showed me respect and helped me to learn the ropes of being in the gospel music world. I miss you Lari! I pray that Carolyn, Lari's children and grandchildren are being blessed by the Lord! Mike Mann
Mike Mann
January 7, 2022
It´s hard to believe that Lari left this earth now 7 years ago. He was my friend, mentor and someone that I had the highest respect for. I am, and was, a nobody in this music world when I was introduced to Lari, but he made me feel like I was a star amongst the stars. I will never forget him and still rejoice that he is with Jesus and experiencing true freedom! You are loved and missed Lari!
Sandy Sims
July 2, 2017
I know this is a bit late, but I didn't realize Lari had passed away. I'm from a small town called Buford, Georgia. My dad pastored a small church called Riverside Baptist Church, and he loved for gospel groups to come sing for the people. Growing up I heard quite a few groups, but the memory of James Padgett and the Goss Boys is still very vivid, even after all these years. They were a favorite. The number of people attending those singings were so great that chairs would have to be brought from classrooms in order to accommodate the large crowds. The Goss Brothers' harmony was second to none. Never do I hear the song, When The Savior Reached Down For Me, but what I think of them. Lari was a wonderfully blessed talent who will be sorely missed by many. His singing and musical ability will always be a cherished memory. My thoughts and prayers are with his family. I pray the Good Lord will comfort you all as only He can.
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Drew Shankles
December 9, 2015
I had the honor of having Mr. Goss as an orchestration teacher. Never have a I met someone so talented who was so down to earth. And of course, forever patient with our musical arranging skills!
Steve Ross
April 11, 2015
Loved Mr Goss shared alot of good times together... Played some golf, cracked some good jokes and of course made some great music to the lord! My love and thoughts go to BJ and the rest of his family... Thanks for that part of my life Lari
Betty Vance
January 26, 2015
Lari nor his family ever heard of me, but I have loved Lari ever since he played for Nancy Harmon & Victory Voices in the 1970s. I'm sure there are many like me who never got to meet him, but followed his music. I watched the Celebration of His Life & felt God's presence there. I've been in church music over half a century & admired Lari's talent. God has special grace for grieving hearts. I've experienced it. I will be praying for your family.
Dan Betzer
January 23, 2015
My wife and I remember so warmly the times Lari and his brothers came to our little home in Harrisburg for lunch. And my thoughts sweep back to three LPs I had the joy of making, backed by Lari and his brothers. What an incredible talent and gracious man!
MartiLou & Jim Wright
January 19, 2015
What a Blessing Your Music was to the world! We will definitely cover your family in prayers!
January 17, 2015
Thank you for using your gift and sharing it with us. You help our worship to Jesus so sweet when we sing your beautiful arrangements. What a joy it must be for you to see the one who you wrote your music for.
love in Christ, Sherri Hutchens. North Carolina
Linda Lagerstrom
January 15, 2015
Watched the funeral online . . . what a marvelous testimony, he finished the race well, good and faithful servant, and his influence and love for Jesus will live on through his music. Our church choir has sung many many songs with Lari Goss' name on the music in some fashion. Thank you and may God grant you peace and hold you tightly through the time ahead.
Ernest Hatfield
January 15, 2015
I watched the funeral. What a great tribute to a wonderful Christian man. He had a big influence on my life. Met him when I was 15 years old when he and his brothers came to our church in Darlington SC in 1965 or 66.
Gaye LaFoe
January 15, 2015
Thank you Lari. Years ago
I was a 17 year old girl making a gospel record and trying to use my gift for The Lord. You came into Mark Five Studios and they played you a track of mine and you and others you brought did my background vocals as a gift to me. Wow, what an honor that was. I struggled as a soloist and was offered a contract in country music that I declined and I never did much later except sing in church and events but I went on to do other things for The Lord. But I will always treasure your nod to my music and will always cherish that vinyl record. Rest in a peace sir. What a blessing you are
Hunter Sholar
January 15, 2015
Much love to the Goss Family. Great influence in the music industry.
Nehemias Becerra
January 13, 2015
One of my music heroes. I'm sure angels in heaven are ready to play his music.
Mike Mann
January 13, 2015
Carolyn,
Lari is one of my heroes. He was so kind to me and passed on great wisdom, knowledge and a passion for great music. We worked on a couple of projects with the Gaithers and he became a great friend. My deepest regret is not seeing him or contacting him for a while. I will miss him dearly and pray that the Lord will give you peace.
Linda Guisinger
January 13, 2015
Carolyn, I am so sorry to hear about this. I missed him a lot around Lee University when he was not able to come and teach. The students really enjoyed his classes. I had so many tell me they learned so much from him. May God continue to bless and watch over you and the family.
January 13, 2015
Dearesr Entire Goss Family: We will miss Lari so much. Our prayers and love are with you all. thank you all for investing in so many lives. You all have made such an impact on our lives. God bless you all. Lari is already getting everyone in tune for the greatest music concert of all times. We will all be able to sing together once again. Till we meet again...Love you. Jim and Ellen Roachelle. (By the way, Lari always called me his country jew)Since we recorded with Nancy Harmon, "He'll Hold to my hand, as over deaths river I go, Then safe I will be, in beautiful heaven I know."
Gordon Cloud
January 13, 2015
Never had the privilege to meet him here on earth, but looking forward to the opportunity in Heaven. My life has been touched immeasurably by his work.
Charlotte Hall
January 13, 2015
Prayers sent your way. Lari was a very special man and his music loved by all.
Phillip/Faye Thornell
January 13, 2015
What a Godly man. Lari will surely be missed .
elizabeth mefford
January 12, 2015
Thanks for giving to the Lord Lari, you will be greatly missed , you have touched our lives. Deepest condolences to the family and friends from the Medfords in SVG
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3009 Columbia Avenue, Franklin, TN 37064
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