Linville Franklin "Lin" Goins

Linville Franklin "Lin" Goins the son of the late Aaron H Goins and Pauline (Foster) Goins, was born on February 16, 1951 along with a twin sister, Linda. On this day, his mom went in to bring one baby home and was surprised with 2 wonderful babies to bring home.

He went home to be with the Lord Wednesday, December 17, 2025 at Bowers Hospice House in Beckley following a fall that led to a devastating brain injury.

Lin graduated with the Hinton High School class of 1969 and was a member of the 1968 State Football Championship and attended Marshall University which led him to be a huge Herd fan, along with the NY Yankees and the 49ers.

Lin (Tator as he was called in high school), was 74 years old, and if you met him even once, you’d remember the smile first. It was the kind of smile that made kids feel safe, strangers feel welcome, and family feel like everything was going to be okay. He was a very sweet man – steady, kind, and quietly joyful.

Over the years, he lived many lives in one. He worked for CSX between college years, learning the value of hard work and early mornings. He was a volunteer firemen, an EMT for a couple years then worked at First National Bank of Hinton where people trusted him not just with their money, but with their stories. Later, he even ran WillowWood Golf Course, - a job that fit him perfectly. Lastly, he was Director of the Summers County Council on Aging for 20 years.

Lin was a basketball referee, too, the kind who knew the rules by heart but never forgot that kids were just kids. He loved them – loved encouraging them, cheering them on, and making sure the game stayed fair and fun. That was his way: firm when needed, gentle always. He did a little soccer refereeing also along with umpiring Little League baseball. He was President of Hinton Little League for several years and he loved every minute!

Family was the center of his world. He grew up with lots of brothers and sisters, and that big-family love stayed with him his whole life. He loved his wife, Susan, with a steady devotion that never faded. He was so proud of his son, Jamie and daughter, Krista. He thought the world of his daughter-in-love, Tabitha – truly believing he had gained not just family, but a gift. And last but not least, the love for his many fur babies, both past and present.

Above all, he walked closely with the Lord. His faith wasn’t loud or showy – it was lived. You could see it in his patience, his kindness, his gratitude, and the way he treated everyone with dignity. He led an astounding life with God, trusting Him in the ordinary days and the hard ones alike.

Lin, also, loved the outdoors, especially hunting. There was something about being out in God’s creation that made him feel close to heaven already. And fittingly, it was there – doing something he loved – that the good Lord gently said it was time to come home.

Those who loved Lin will miss his smile, his laughter, his calm presence. But they also know this: his life was full, his love was real, and his faith carried him safely home. He ran his race well – and now he rests, surrounded by peace, joy, and the welcome he lived his life preparing for.

He was preceded in death by his parents, mother-in-law Nancy Kast, brother-in-law Don Speiden and brother-in-law Eddy Moten.

Those left to cherish his memory include his wife of 52 years, Susan, daughter Krista and son Jamie (Tabitha). One brother, Aaron (Joe) Goins and wife Sandy, 5 sisters: Sandy Honaker and husband Butch, Linda Speiden, Becky Browder and husband Jim of North Carolina, Debby Wallish and husband Mike of Georgia, and Mary Beth Merritt and husband Robbie. One sister-in-law, Leisa Moten of Athens WV. Nieces and nephews: Susan Wolfgang, Jessica Lawrence (Chris), Rob Goins (Trish), Tom Honaker, Todd Honaker (Darlene), Donna Speiden Palmore, Carrie North (Jeff), Nathan Merritt, Zack Merritt, Eric (Rick) Puckett (Molly) and Jay Moten (Amanda), great niece Shanleigh and many other loved ones.

Celebration of Lin’s life will be at 11:00 A.M., Monday, December 22, 2025 at the Riverview Chapel with Pastor Butch Honaker and Pastor Robbie Merritt officiating. Visitation will be from 10:00 A.M. to time of service on Monday at the Riverview Chapel.

In lieu of flowers the family request that donation of sympathy be made in Lin’s memory to Bowers Hospice House, 454 Cranberry Dr., Beckley, WV 25801.