Robert Goff

Born in Covington, Virginia on February 9, 1931

Departed on November 25, 2020 and resided in Nashville, Tennessee

Robert "Bob" A. Goff, age 89, of Nashville, Tennessee went to be with his heavenly Father November 25, 2020. Bob was a beloved husband, father, grandfather, great-grandfather, uncle and long-treasured member of the Nashville community, serving as a minister, educator, scholar, writer and coach. He was born on February 9, 1931 in Covington, Virginia, the youngest son of Jack Robert Goff and Mary Fridley Goff. He is predeceased by his parents, his brother Jack Goff and his sister Ruth Goff Allen.

Bob is survived by his loving wife, Margaret "Peggy" Marvil Goff; his three daughters, Dixie Goff Grimes (Mike) of Spring, Texas; Peggy Goff Palmer (James) of Sapulpa, Oklahoma; and Faith Goff Alford (Trey) of Knoxville, Tennessee. He is also survived by his eight grandchildren: Christa Grimes of Santa Fe, New Mexico; Hope Grimes Matthews (Tyler) of Spring, Texas; Matthew Palmer (Alisa) of Lubbock, Texas; Ben Grimes of Spring, Texas; Julia Palmer Aulicino (Justin) of Tulsa, Oklahoma; Mark Palmer (Sarah) of Franklin, Tennessee; Meagan Alford of Chattanooga, Tennessee; and Connor Alford of Knoxville, Tennessee; and his eight great-grandchildren: Braden and Ava Matthews; Olive, Eleanor and June Marie Palmer; and Wyatt, Greyson and Genevieve Aulicino. In addition, Bob is survived by his three nephews: Dave Goff, Steve Goff and Dean Allen and his niece Cathy Allen Parker.

Bob was married 70 years to the love of his life and childhood sweetheart Margaret "Peggy" Marvil Goff. They grew up together in Laurel, Delaware where they graduated from Laurel High School before moving their new family west as Bob pursued his ministry and studies. As a child, Bob's love of Scripture was first instilled by his grandmother Elizabeth Goff as she read Bible passages to him during visits with her in the rural mountains of Virginia. Bob was called to be a Christian at age 21 and studied the Bible extensively over the course of his life. He was the recipient of a Bachelor's and four Master's degrees in Theological Studies. He was a graduate of Oklahoma Christian College, Harding University Graduate School of Religion, and David Lipscomb University. In addition to his studies in theology, Bob was also a scholar of the Hebrew and Greek languages. Among his favorite Bible passages, are the verses contained in the first Chapter of Ephesians.

Bob had a talent and passion for working with young people. He taught Bible, American History, and Driver's Education for thirty years at David Lipscomb High School. At Lipscomb he also coached football and founded the High School Wrestling Program which he coached for many years. A minister to many churches of Christ in Virginia, Arkansas, and Tennessee, Bob was a dedicated evangelist, honoring the word of God through his daily walk, teachings and creative works. He wrote over ten self-published books and study guides on the Christian faith that have circulated widely both locally and across the country.

Through his life's work, Bob influenced the lives of thousands of people for the better. He was devoted to his life's missions of spreading the gospel and caring for his family. He was a loving husband, father, grandfather and friend. He was as reflective as he was outgoing, with the heart of a poet. Bob never met a stranger, was enthusiastic about life, delighted in a good laugh and truly made the world a better place. He enjoyed spending time at the oceanside in Delaware, playing the banjo, singing traditional Appalachian songs, having philosophical discussions with his grandkids and taking leisurely drives around Nashville, a city close to his heart. He lived an amazing, full life and was most happy and content when he was with his wife Peggy. He will be dearly missed.

A private family service will be held at Harpeth Hills Memory Garden on Monday, November 30, 2020.