Dr. Benjamin Goodman, Jr.

February 20, 1946 - August 3, 2023

Dr. Benjamin Goodman, Jr., passed away on Thursday, August 3, 2023, at the age of 77, surrounded by family and loved ones. He was born February 20, 1946, in Hickory, NC to Dr. Benny Goodman, Sr and Peggy Goodman, and was the oldest of four children.

Ben was a loving husband, parent, grandparent, sibling, doctor and friend to many in the Hickory community. Ben practiced medicine for 51 years, of which 10 years were alongside his father. Combined, he and his father, Dr. Benny Goodman, Sr., served the Hickory community for nearly a century as family physicians.

Ben was a 1964 graduate of Hickory High School, a 1968 graduate of Davidson College, and a 1972 graduate of University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill Medical School. He completed his Family Medicine residency at Penn State in 1975. He also served the U.S. Army for 12 years retiring as a Lt Colonel. He was chosen to attend the National Endowment for the Humanities in Religious Studies at Harvard University in 1978. One of his proudest moments was an article that he authored in the American Journal of Medicine related to Temporal Arteritis - along with numerous articles and other medical journals. He was a member of the American Academy of Family Physicians and the Society of Teachers of Family Medicine. He also served as Professor and Director of Family Medicine Residency at Medical University of South Carolina from 1977-1988 where he met his nurse and wife of 43 years, Martha Goodman.

Ben and Martha have two surviving children, Robert Goodman of Bluffton, SC and Caroline McKinney of Hickory, NC. Robert, and his wife Karen, have a daughter, Sophia. Caroline, and her husband Kyle, have five children, Harper, Connor, Sawyer, Hunter and Grace. He was preceded in death by his third child, Eryan, in 2001. Ben was particularly close to his sister, Kathryn, and her husband, Lamar Lehman, and their children, Katy Lehman (Paul Brown) of Atlanta, GA and Pat Lehman (Melissa, Owen and Emory), of Greensboro, NC.

Ben had a tremendous love for his family, the care of his many beloved patients, baseball (go Braves!), reading, photography and everything UNC Tarheels. He will be remembered by many driving his red Mazda Miata around town with his treasured dog, Bob.

Please join us to celebrate Ben's life at 2 p.m. on Sunday, August 6, 2023, at First Presbyterian Church, 237 2nd St NW, Hickory, NC 28601 with the Rev. Richard Floyd officiating. The family will receive friends following the service in the fellowship hall.

Please bring your favorite memory or story to share with our family.

Donations can be made to the following - or charity of your choice:

Autism Society of North Carolina, Attention: Donations, 5121 Kingdom Way, #100, Raleigh, NC 27607 or Lupus Foundation of America, North Carolina Chapter, https://www.lupus.org/northcarolina/donate-now-1 .

Bass-Smith Funeral Home in Hickory is serving the Goodman family.

Bas-Smith Funeral Home

334 2nd St. N.W., Hickory, NC 28601

To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.

Published by Hickory Daily Record on Aug. 5, 2023.

Memories and Condolences
for Benjamin Goodman

Sponsored by Bass-Smith Funeral Home and Crematory - Hickory.

60 Entries

Toni Huffman

December 6, 2023

Dr Goodman Jr was my doctor for over 30 years. He saved my life many times and I will truly miss him and how great he was about listening to me. Always your patient.

Lisa

August 29, 2023

Martha and Family,
I had the wonderful privilege of working with both you and Dr. Goodman. I am so sorry for your loss. Dr. Goodman was a wonder doctor, husband, father and grandfather.
With deepest Sympathy,
Lisa Walden
Rolln´Ready

Sherry Bramwell

August 21, 2023

Martha and family, thank you both for taking such good care of us, you are a great nurse, and we loved you and Dr Goodman, we are so sorry for your loss. We will be praying for comfort and peace for your whole family

Sherry P Bramwell

August 21, 2023

My husband Wayne Bramwell and I had the honor of having Dr Benjamin Goodman Jr as our Dr for a few years, he was a good man and a wonderful Dr. He will surely be missed by our family, he used to kid around with my husband about pickled herring, our hearts go out to the family and friends, you all will be in our thoughts and prayers, may God give you comfort and peace

Lisa Abernathy

August 15, 2023

Dear Martha & Family,
What a team you were. I loved coming to visit both of you and I'm going to miss you both so very much. You both took such good care of me. Martha and family, I am so sorry for your loss. Thoughts and Prayers.

KAREN LISA ABERNATHY
LOWES (Viewmont)

Theresa Heule

August 14, 2023

Dear Mrs. Goodman and family,
Dr. Goodman was such a wonderful person and Dr. I am so sorry to hear of his passing. Please know you are in my thoughts and prayers.

I know I will see him in Heaven one day.
Theresa

Donna and Tony Vanhorn

August 8, 2023

Martha (and Family) We are deeply saddened to hear of Ben's passing. He has been our doctor over forty years (mine - Donna - since age 15 at the Medical Arts office with his father!). We haven't met a doctor yet with the compassion he had for his patients. You and Doc have treated us like family and have been dear caring friends all these years. He will truly be missed. He has brought me through some rough years with my lupus and strived to give or get me the best care possible for this horrible disease. I know he is in heaven rejoicing with Eryan and I will see him again one day to celebrate with them!!
Martha you and your family are in our prayers. Know that you are loved and we are here if you need anything.
Sorry we missed the service - we found out Sunday night. My heart breaks - not goodbye Doc but, see you later - I will miss him so much.

Cathy Queen

August 8, 2023

Martha and family so sorry for your loss. God bless you all. Praying. I'm going to miss him so much. He was a part of our family for so long. It breaks my heart. I was shocked. Sorry I missed the service. I was out of town on vacation. May God wrap his loving arms around you all and give you peace.

Donna Hester

August 8, 2023

Martha,
This is one of the saddest days of my life. I'm so sorry for the passing of Dr Goodman. He was the best Dr I ever had. After 25 yrs with both of you, I felt like family. I loved him and can't imagine not seeing him again. Prayers for you and your family. This is painful for me, so I can't even fathom what you're going through. He was loved by many. I will miss him tremendously.

Kelli Brown

August 7, 2023

Miss Martha,

I was shocked and saddened when I heard the news of Dr. Benny's passing. Even though I didn't know him for long it felt like I had known him forever. Not many Dr.'s go over and beyond for their patients like he and you did. He knew me before he ever met me and I have never had a Dr. do that for me. He was one of a kind. Was blessed to know you both and will be praying for you and your family.

Kelli Brown, Dennis Combs and Kay Price

Lori Damico

August 7, 2023

He was our family doctor for 24 years. Always took such good care of my family. He had to tell us that our son had cancer, which I know was hard for him to do. Dr. Goodman made sure we had the best of the best and now, almost 20 years later, our son is still with us. I cannot ever thank him enough. His family is in our prayers. We will miss him very much

Wesley Pope

August 7, 2023

The Goodman family is a tremendous asset to the Hickory area. Dr. Goodman never hesitated to spend time and share in a story with all that he came into contact with. He and Martha were always so gracious to me. We will never forget the times we shared together and all of our wonderful lunch time conversations in the office. Rest in Peace my friend.

Darnell Holloway

August 6, 2023

Wonderful service for Dr. Goodman today! He was my doctor for over 40 yrs & his Dad for another 10 yrs or so. Loved him & never thought of searching for another doctor. He & Martha were such a team, missing them both. Just realized I graduated with him from Hickory High School in 1963. I never had classes with him so I didn't know him. I never thought a classmate would be my MD for over 40 yrs. He was a wonderful person & doctor. Miss him & Martha.

Pam matheson

August 6, 2023

SO SADDEN TO HEAR THAT BEN HAS PASSED AWAY , I KNOW HOW MUCH HE IS GOING TO BE MISSED I PRAY FOR YOU AND YOUR FAMILY FOR THE WEEKS MONTHS, YEARS AHEAD ,, BEN WAS A LONG TIME FRIEND AND DOCTOR

Alton (A.T.) Simons

August 6, 2023

Heaven just got an Angel today! Every time a bell rings an Angel gets his wings!!! Dr.Goodman just got his. Will be ringing a bell tonight!! Thank you Dr. Goodman for taking care of me all these years. I will miss you. Alton (A.T.) Simons

Chuck & Soni Watts

August 6, 2023

Dr. Benjamin Goodman Jr. was the only family physician we had since moving to NC in 1987.Throughout that time he became a dear friend also.He cared for and watched all four of our children grow up. My wife and I will miss him greatly.
"Ben", I wish I had one more book I could have shared with you.
Our condolences are with you and your family Martha.
Chuck & Soni Watts

Pat Rominger

August 6, 2023

Dr. Goodman was my doctor for over 25 years. He was a wonderful doctor. He will certainly be missed, not only by his loved ones but his patients as well.

Nancy Legore

August 6, 2023

Prayers, love, and comfort to Martha, Caroline and family Dr. Goodman was a special person.

Mark Isenhour

August 6, 2023

Sorry to hear about doctor Goodman Martha. Will miss him slot. God bless you.

Cindy Jackman

August 5, 2023

We have been gone from Hickory 13 years and I have missed Dr. Goodman and Martha the whole time. He was truly our Doctor and friend. My thought prayers are with Martha and their children and grandchildren. May God enfold you all with His comforting spirit and grace.

Hickory, NC

August 5, 2023

Deepest prayers to the whole Goodman family. Very sad news, but our community has appreciated you. You will be missed. Thank you, Doc!

Gary Rhodes

August 5, 2023

On of my last visits thinking back in January I sat waiting on him to enter the room. As we all know he always entered with a smile or something to say like what are you doing here. We were so close I asked him to hell with the Dr. Stuff can I call you Benny from now on . He turned around and said I would be honored if you did. Goodman Sr. Put stitches in my knee in 1965 even though Davis was my family Dr. Benny took care of me my whole adult life. He messaged me about a month age and gave me a referral I will take that advise. As Martha has said many times the smartest man she ever knew. Rest in peace Benny God speed Benny Goodman

Clarence Inscore

August 5, 2023

Doc was not only my doctor while in Hickory, but was a Friend! He was a supportive parent, as I had the pleasure of teaching both Robert and Caroline! Loved talking baseball and always joking around w/ Doc! He was a great father and loved his kids w/ all his heart!
Robert and Caroline, you made him soo proud. Martha, I know how much he loved you too!
I send my deepest condolences and prayers to all of you.
Doc, you lived a life that you can be proud of and I know that your family is proud of the man you were!! The world and Hickory Community has lost a Great one!

Melinda

August 5, 2023

I am going to miss him so much. He helped me through some tough times. He was such a kind, compassionate and very down to earth doctor and friend. I could talk to him about anything and we most always chuckled about something. His only flaw, he was a Tarheel fan and would threaten not to treat me when I showed up in my Duke hoodie.
My sincere condolences to Martha, the entire family and the community he served so well. RIP Doc

Glenda Rinehardt

August 5, 2023

Dr Good was a great Dr he treated my kids and I for years my children are 37 and. 39 Dr Goodman treated you like a friend not a patient I pray God will put his arm around Martha and his children and comfort y´all and comfort friends and rest of family God Bless y´all

Jamie Moretz

August 5, 2023

Martha and family we are so very sorry for your loss I did love coming to DR Goodman and you for almost 40 years my whole family my son was 6 months old and now 37 he loves you guys so much. Just want to tell you he will be missed by my family so much. God was in need of a good man with love Jamie Moretz

Janet Houser Weaver

August 5, 2023

He was a very good Dr. Remember how good he was to my mom. Peggie. Houser.

Charles dean sparks

August 5, 2023

The best Doctor I had ever had. His bedside manner was amazing. He treated you like a person, not just a patient. His profession lost truly a great colleague.

Ray Penley

August 5, 2023

I´m so sorry to hear of the loss of Dr. Goodman. Words may not suffice to express the heartfelt sorrow that I feel for the passing of Dr. Goodman. But please accept my my condolences and I will be including your family in my prayers.

Donna Andrews

August 5, 2023

Doc Goodman was such a wonderful man, friend, coach and just happened to be a doctor. I met Doc when he coached with the Hickory Parks and Recreation Department. Oh the many wonderful memories I have of him, his wife and his children as they grew up in our programs. Even though I am a Wolfpacker, he still gave me the best care!! I am so sad to hear of his passing. May he rest in peace. Love to Martha and his family.
Donna Andrews

Mary Beth Fox Schauble

August 5, 2023

Martha, I am so sorry for your loss. You know how much I loved Benji. As soon as you opened the office in Hickory, I became a patient. Even while living in Charlotte, I drove to Hickory for BenjI.
My Doctor has been a Goodman since I was four years old. I will miss him. I loved and cherished him so very much.
Thank you for always being there.

Judi Lentz

August 5, 2023

I am so sorry for the loss of my favorite doctor in the whole wide world! He has been my doctor for about 35 years and he will be missed by myself and many! Dr. Goodman and his wife Martha have gone far beyond in taking care of me and my family and I have appreciated them so much for all they have done for us. I will never forget you, Dr. Goodman. You were a very special man!

Ralph Tocci

August 5, 2023

God bless Dr. Goodman! We moved to Hickory from Massachusetts 16 years ago. We needed a doctor and we found the best. To Martha and the whole family. Know that Dr G was loved in this community and will be missed. All of our love. Ralph and Judy Tocci

Lee Vason

August 5, 2023

Benjamin was a schoolmate and neighbor of mine for many years. Although I haven´t seen him in many years , I remember him as one of the smartest and good looking members of our class. Enjoyed reading about his successful life and loving family. Sending love and prayers.
Lee Harper VASON

Linda livingston

August 5, 2023

I am deeply sorry to hear about Dr. Goodman and my heart grieves for Martha and his loved ones. He was a special man who really cared about others and this is a great loss to his family and the people who were fortunate enough to know him. RIP Dr. Goodman and may God bring peace to your family during this difficult time.,

Lisa Storti Adams

August 5, 2023

Thank you Dr Goodman and Martha for your love and care. Your kindness and generosity will always be appreciated. Thinking of you Martha and praying for you and your family as you go forward. Love and prayers always.
Lisa Storti Adams

T.E. Reid

August 5, 2023

I want to express my deepest, heartfelt condolences to the Goodman family and my gratitude for having known Dr. Goodman and his wife Martha. Dr. Goodman was my doctor for over thirty years. The first time I walked into his office in the Medical Arts Building in the early nineties I knew I had found my new doctor. What a great doctor and friend he was over the thirty years. May God bless and heal the heavy hearts of the Goodman family.

Booby killian

August 5, 2023

I am sorry for your loss. I appreciated all that Dr Goodman and you did for me.

Susan Bolick

August 4, 2023

Doctor Ben Goodman wasn´t just my doctor, he was my friend and magic healer. Then you add Martha to the team and you have the complete package. He practiced medicine by knowing each patient and showing love and how much he cared about them. I could tell him anything and feel better just seeing his eyes twinkle and we´d end up in laughter. Then there was the added knowledge and up-to-date care he provided to me and my family. As my friend, he might cry with me but always help me go in the right direction. If no one could determine what my medical condition was and how to fix/care for me, HE COULD. I will miss him and Martha taking care of me and putting a smile on my face. My thoughts, prayers, love and hugs go to Martha and the beautiful family she and Doc G have. Rest-in-Peace my friend and know we´ll continue our good talks and belly-rolling laughter when I see you again. Love Susan

Paul Settlemyre

August 4, 2023

Just remembering all the fun we had on the ball field playing little league. Every time we were together we would talk ball and remember the good old times. He will be deeply missed. He was also my family doctor and friend. Paul Settlemyre

Bruce & Susan Stevens

August 4, 2023

Love, light & peace to all who knew & loved this amazing man! Sincerely, Bruce & Susan Stevens

Sharon Daniels

August 4, 2023

Sending prayers to you all. He was a great man and doctor.

James Jimison

August 4, 2023

What a wonderful gem he was to Hickory and everyone who knew him.

Jane and Gerardo Marrazzo

August 4, 2023

Few can speak of a life so well lived. Service to family, country , and community. A kind man is all manner, he will be greatly remembered and also greatly missed. Please receive our most sincere sympathy. Jane and Gerardo Marrazzo

Tamara

August 4, 2023

I am so saddened by this news. I work PRN (therapy Dept.) at Trinity Village and enjoyed meeting Dr. Goodman and you, Martha. I was impressed by such a soft-spoken man who has provided care for so many over the years. I was also touched by the care and dedication you showed each other as a couple. It was sweet to see the picture of Dr. Goodman and his dog, too. I had hoped so much that you guys would be able to take your trip abroad next year. I will be praying for your family in the days to come. Yours truly- Tamara Younce

Jeanne Reid

August 4, 2023

Prayers for Martha and the entire family. I'm so very sorry for your loss. Dr. Goodman and Martha made me feel like family when I went in for an appointment. Dr Goodman really cared about people and took time to get to know his patients. I'll keep the family in my heart and in my prayers

Sherry Elder

August 4, 2023

Prayers for his family HES GOING TO BE MISSED DEEPLY. I ALWAYS LOOKED FORWARD TO SEEING HIM , HE WAS A FRIEND TOO. I COULD TELL HIM EVERY THING. I ALWAYS MADE HIM LAUGH ABOUT MY BROTHER. GOD BLESS HIM

Linda Collins

August 4, 2023

Sorry for your lost! I will miss him being my doctor cause he was more than a doctor he was a friend so is Martha! I´ve went to him since I was a little girl,I seen his dad a couple times thing he took over. You will be miss! Love and prayers for the whole family!

Chris Cheek

Sent Flowers

Jim and Nancy Simmons-Beck

August 4, 2023

Dr. Goodman and Martha were an awesome pair, truly dedicated to their patients. Jim and I loved and appreciated their care so much. To Martha and family, our love and prayers go out to you with our deepest sympathy! Much love!

Kay Harwell

August 4, 2023

The best Doctor ever so glad he was mine

Sharon elder

August 4, 2023

He was the best doctor & friend. He will be missed deeply. I went to him for over 30 yrs

Anita, John, and Isaiah Sutton

August 4, 2023

We came to know the Goodman family as a petsitter. Caroline connected us as we were also caring for her pets. My heart aches for Martha, Caroline, and the family and friends as they cherish the good memories of better days. Those memories are the ones to cling to.

Jessica McFalls

August 4, 2023

While I didn´t know Dr. Goodman for a very long time, I grew to love him and his precious wife so very much, I looked forward to seeing him each week, they made my day so much better and always put a smile on my face, but I could always make him smile as well.. I love this family and he will always be in my heart.

Jenny Johnson

August 4, 2023

I have been a patient and a friend of Dr Goodman for over 30 years. My family also seen him with his dad as they were in the same practice. He was dedicated to medical field and to his patients. Martha was also a blessing to my family as she was right by his side.
He is truly missed.God bless the Goodman family

Teresa Huffman

August 4, 2023

This man has touched the lives of many in our community. I am so full of sadness today as I heard the news of your passing. Dr. Benjamin Goodman Jr. You will be truly missed. Your caring nature, your stories that lifted me up no matter if I was sick I always left your office laughing. Your bedside manner was superb. I could not have gotten through life with out you taking the time to listen to me and give me advice or a story to help me understand. Taking care of my twins from infancy to adulthood. Those looks you had in your eyes when you peeked around the door when you entered a room always made me laugh. Taking my call from another country. You were always there when I needed you the most. There will never be another Doctor that was as devoted to his patients as you. And how you remembered everything from one visit to the last. You and Martha made me feel like family for more than a lifetime. I will cherish those memories for the rest of mine. May you rest in peace . One last Thank you for your service and love and care for everyone whom you touched. May God look over your family and comfort them and to your family, Thank you for sharing him with me.

Forever and always

Teresa Huffman

Diana Jimison

August 4, 2023

I recently got to meet Dr. Goodman and his beautiful wife and thanked him for taking such good care of my parents when they were living. I am so sorry for your loss.

Lorri Whitener Hoke

August 4, 2023

He was not only my Doctor almost my entire life, he was a wonderful friend to me and my family, same with his wonderful wife Martha. My heart hurts for you all, lost a very good man! May God wrap his arms around you and give you peace and comfort. Love, hugs and lots of prayers!

Roy Johnson

August 4, 2023

So Sorry for your loss, Prayers.
Dr. Goodman was a great physician and a great person!

Lori-Ann Lowrance.

August 3, 2023

I am so sad to hear the passing of Dr. Goodman. He was my doctor from the time I moved to NC until Goodman and Brooks separated. He was the best. He was always smiling and laughing. He never had a problem telling to take his advice and tell me I was stubborn.. we always laughed and had a good time. May God be with his family at this time and know that he is dancing and laughing with our heavenly father.

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