Gideon Theodore Goodwyn Sr.

Gideon Theodore Goodwyn Sr. (also known as GT) transitioned from labor to reward and entered into eternal rest on Monday, January 12, 2026, at the age of 96. He was born on November 3, 1929, in Dinwiddie County, Virginia, to the late Sidney Youlle Goodwyn and Octavia Johnson Goodwyn. He is survived by his brother, Francis Elwood Goodwyn.

Gideons early life was marked by hard work, beginning with his first job chopping peanuts on the family farm. In 1947, he entered the United States Army, completing basic training at Fort Dix, New Jersey. He was stationed overseas in Germany for six years and six months, where he served as an engineer building bridges, including the Echelsbacherbrcke Bridge. His service also took him to Berlin and Munich. Upon returning to the United States, Gideon continued his military career as a Military Policeman in Petersburg, Virginia, until he was honorably discharged in 1954.

In 1956, Gideon married the love of his life, Emma Lee McPherson, and their union lasted more than 70 years. Together, they raised six children: Cassandra, Gideon, Elanzer, Lynette, Mason, and Jason. Professionally, Gideon dedicated 35 years of faithful service as a warehouseman at the Naval Supply Center in Norfolk, Virginia, retiring at the age of 55.

Later in life, Gideon accepted Jesus Christ as his Lord and Savior, and the 23rd Psalm became his favorite bible passage. A longtime resident of Portsmouth, Virginia, he lived a quiet and fulfilling life centered around his family and his faith. He especially cherished praying several times each day with his wife.

Gideon lived life to the fullest and greatly enjoyed hunting, fishing, and gardening. He also loved carpentry, driving, cooking, grocery shopping, walking his dog, and watching television. He was an avid football fan of the Dallas Cowboys and a devoted supporter of the New York Yankees. Gideon never forgot to vote, believing it was his civic responsibility, and he showed compassion as a citizen by donating blood throughout his life (16 pints).

He was preceded in death by his parents; four sisters, Doris Gatling, Gretchen Hughes, Barbara Dexter, and Annette Williams; and four brothers, Henry, James, Frederick, and Thomas Goodwyn.

He leaves to cherish his memory his devoted wife, Emma Goodwyn; six childrenCassandra Riggins, Gideon Goodwyn Jr. (Cassandra), Elanzer Boone (Michael), Lynette Terrell, Mason Goodwyn (Celene), and Jason Goodwyn (Keecha); 18 grandchildren; 28 great-grandchildren; and a host of loving nieces and nephews.

Gideon loved the Lord deeply and truly appreciated the family that God had given him. He will be greatly missed by all who knew and loved him.
Viewing: Monday, January 19, 2026 2:00 PM to 6:00 PM Metropolitan Funeral Service 5605 Portsmouth Boulevard Portsmouth, VA Celebration of Life: Tuesday, January 20, 2026 11:00 AM Good News Baptist Church 3252 Taylor Road Chesapeake, VA Laid to Rest: Greenlawn Memorial Gardens 3920 Airline Boulevard Chesapeake, VA