Robert William Goodrich

Robert William Goodrich, 91, of Amarillo, Texas, surrounded by family and friends, peacefully passed away after a long and faithful life of service, learning, and love.

Born in Springfield, Missouri, on February 2, 1935, Robert moved with his family to Amarillo in 1950 and graduated from Amarillo High School in 1953. He earned undergraduate and graduate degrees from West Texas A&M University and pursued additional postgraduate studies at Texas Tech University, Arizona State University, and the University of Wisconsin, reflecting his lifelong love of learning. Robert served three years in Europe with the U.S. Army Engineering Battalion before returning home and marrying his college sweetheart, Leticia Anne Gillespie of Amarillo; together they built a warm, lively home for their five children and recently celebrated 64 years of marriage.

Robert spent nearly 20 years in university classrooms teaching urban economics, community development, land use planning, and real estate. His passion for historic preservation led him to transform an abandoned adobe church into a 14,000-square-foot family home and to preserve the historic Herring Hotel in downtown Amarillo for more than three decades, welcoming countless tours, receptions, and special events through its doors. Even after selling the Herring Hotel in 2023, he held fast to his hope that this Amarillo landmark would be fully restored.

A man of deep Christian faith, Robert was active in the Methodist Church for many years, serving as a Sunday School teacher for more than two decades, a certified lay speaker, and a frequent delegate to National and World Conferences of the United Methodist Church. He loved the structure and community of the church and poured himself into teaching, encouraging, and mentoring others in their walk with Christ.

In 1985, Robert joined Leticia in founding Goodcare Services, the first private pay home health agency in Amarillo. Though he served as CFO, he liked to call himself the “janitor,” always quick to credit Leticia as CEO and owner and to model humble service in every role. He also created “The Layman’s Laboratory, Inc.” to help people make wise daily choices and launched “The Texas Embassy” to honor the people, places, products, and events that make Texas great.

Robert’s community involvement was wide and enthusiastic. He was president of the Amarillo Lodging Association, board member and leader within the League of Women Voters, often chairing “Meet the Candidates” forums. He also served as a board member and secretary-treasurer of the Railroad Artifact Preservation Society, and member of the Amarillo “21st Century Senior Services Development Advisory Board.” He was also a professional mediator and arbitrator in Amarillo and Lubbock Texas for many years. He also, led the acquisition, renovation, and redeployment of the old St. Anthony’s Hospital property in Amarillo. Robert was known as a visionary, encourager, a generous giver, and loyal friend. He rarely met a stranger and always had time for an intellectual conversation.

Robert is preceded in death by his parents James and Edith Goodrich, sister Nancy Lower and sister Barbara Revis. He is survived by his wife, business partner, and best friend, Leticia; their five children Cece (Fred) Coleman of Vancouver, WA; Greg (Andrea) Goodrich of The Colony, TX. Elaine (Bradley) Burdett of Amarillo, TX; Carey (Mike) Mead of Trophy Club, TX; Russ (Jill) Goodrich of Amarillo, TX. He is also survived by sister Kathy Merryman of Topeka, KS as well as 14 grandchildren and 10 great grandchildren. He also leaves behind many loving nieces, nephews, cousins, and other wonderful family members and friends. His legacy lives on in the students he taught, the buildings he preserved, the community he served, and the family he so dearly loved.

A Celebration of Life service will be held on Saturday, February 28, at 3:00 p.m. at Amarillo United Methodist Church, 3001 Bell St., Amarillo, Texas 79106, with Reverend Lynn E. Brack officiating and arrangements under the direction of Boxwell Brothers Funeral Directors. Reception will follow the service at the church. In lieu of flowers, the family invites friends to honor Robert’s memory by contributing to the Amarillo United Methodist Church, League of Women Voters, or Opportunity School. Arrangements are by Boxwell Brothers Funeral Directors.