Theophilus "Ted" L. Goodman, Jr.

Theophilus “Ted” L. Goodman, Jr., age 94, passed away peacefully on Monday, December 3, 2018, at Baptist Health - Fort Smith. He was born on August 17, 1924 in Ogden, Arkansas to Theophilus L. “Bud” Sr. and Minnie Mae Fletcher Goodman.

Ted is survived by one daughter, Carla Bay of Fort Smith; four granddaughters, Pamela and husband Thomas Abadie of Monroe, LA; Amy and husband Wesley Fuselier of Lafayette, LA; Paige and husband TSgt Michael Grindstaff of Klamath Falls, OR, and Misty Goodman of El Cajon, CA; one brother, Bobby Ray Goodman, of Monette, AR; seven great grandchildren; as well as many beloved nieces, nephews, and friends. He was preceded in death by his wife, Ann; son, Trent; his parents; six brothers; and four sisters.

Ted loved to share the stories of his childhood of growing up in Kisner’s Corner, AR. He was a proud U.S. Navy veteran who served during World War II. He met the love of his life, Ann, in Dallas, TX. They wed on the campus of TSCW in the “Little Chapel in the Woods” in Denton, TX on July 28, 1951. He began his career as a salesman for Frito-Lay and retired from the company in 1979.

A longtime member of the Fort Smith First United Methodist Church, Ted lived a life of faithful service. He volunteered with the Boy Scouts for many decades and was a recipient of the Silver Beaver award in 1996. He was also awarded the Cross and Flame Award for giving exceptional service in the use and promotion of the Scouting Program for young people through The United Methodist Church. In his retired years, Ted could often be found travelling around the state assisting Ann as she led seminars for early childhood education. He was actively involved with the Pacesetters of FSFUMC. He also spent his time happily puttering away in his woodworking shop. Ted looked forward to gathering pecans every fall. He could make a mean batch of pecan brittle and delighted in freely sharing it with others.

Visitation will be 5:30-7:00 pm Wednesday at Edwards Funeral Home in Fort Smith. Funeral service will be held Thursday at 11:00 am in the sanctuary of First United Methodist Church, 200 North 15th Street, Fort Smith, with Rev. Dr. William O. “Bud” Reeves and Rev. Dane Womack officiating. Burial will be at 2:00 pm at the U.S. National Cemetery in Fort Smith. Services are under the direction of Edwards Funeral Home in Fort Smith. Honorary pallbearers will be the Pacesetters of FSFUMC.

Memorials may be made to Troop 2, Boy Scouts of America, First United Methodist Church, 200 North 15th Street, Fort Smith, AR 72901. Online condolences may be sent to www.edwardsfuneralhome.com