William F Goodnight JR

Share your Memorial with Family & Friends Fred Goodnight made his transition on June 2, 2023 letting his spirit free to soar. Fred left one note behind and it was love."I often think of the beauty of a single musical note I just try to play my part on my 'instrument' in the symphony of life." Fred GoodnightWilliam Fred Goodnight was born on June 18, 1937 to Thelma and Fred Goodnight, Sr. in the Sewickley, Pennsylvania hospital. He lived the majority of his youth in the neighboring community of Coraopolis.Fred is preceded in death by his sisters: Betty Goodnight, Letty Jones and Lenora White. He leaves to honor his life Ruth Statt, his loving life-partner of 13 years; daughter, Rachael Lee LaVonne Strader and grandchildren; son, Jamil S. Goodnight; nieces, Jada Goodnight-Gilbreath, Deborah Eley, Mia Griffin, Heather White, Harla Williams, Laurita Mclean; nephews, Melvin Maxwell (deceased), Calvin Jones and Emcee Jones, Jr. and a host of other relatives and friends. Fred was an elegant and gentle man with impeccable manors, an open heart and inquisitive mind embracing a myriad of philosophies. The scope and breadth of his musical and artistic accomplishments are breathtaking. Multifaceted in his talents, Fred was a professional Jazz musician who held his audiences in the palm of his hand with his light playful humor, a selection of extraordinary musicians and classic jazz. Fred was an acclaimed, prolific award-winning artist as well. He enjoyed elegance in every aspect of his life and for those who knew him, HE was an art form.Fred lived a life of service and conducted over 50 drumming workshops and seminars nationwide. His inspiration changed the lives of children and adults alike. He conducted life-changing children's drum classes, drumming circles and many consciousness-raising speeches and classes in art and music through local and international organizations. He was a former member of the United States Marine Corps Drum & Bugle Corp. and traveled the world as a Music Goodwill Ambassador with the world acclaimed Fleet Force Pacific Drum & Bugle Corp (Hawaii), playing for dignitaries in Tokyo, Guam, Taiwan, the Philippines, Manila, Alaska and China. His personal travels took him to South America, Brazil, Peru, West Africa, North Africa, India, Germany, Belgium and Switzerland.Fred was involved in many associations, among them The Jazz Society and Peace Weavers organization, which promotes peace and equality throughout the world and where he was a respected and wise elder and also gave many talks, had dinners and conversations with Gandhi's grandson, Arun Gandhi, and met Ruth Statt, his life partner.Music impacted every phase of Fred's existence. He felt that his life-force connected him with the lifeforce of John Coltrane and even more closely with James Moody. Fred was well respected within the music community. He was a professional jazz percussionist who also liked the challenge of playing guitar, saxophone, flute, trumpet, valve trombone, electric bass and piano. Fred played with many top names in the Jazz world.His educational accomplishments included:
Art Institute of Pennsylvania Graduate
Applied Psychology United States Armed Forces
Music Theory U.S. Navy School of Music
Music Theory Akron University
Field Music School United States Marine Corps.To his family and friends, he gave unconditional love. He accepted and valued them as uniquely themselves and empowered each for who they were.You will be greatly missed Fred, you were a gift.Celebrations of Life
July 10, 2023 – 2 PM
Unity Church of Melbourne
2401 N. Harbor Blvd.
Melbourne, FL 32935July 11, 2023
Main Street Pub
Outdoor Patio 6 PM
705 E. New Haven (Old Melbourne)
Melbourne, FL 32901