Albert Lee Goodman

Sergeant Major Albert Goodman, (USMC, ret), passed away on Friday, October 28th, 2022 at the age of 71.

Al was born March 27, 1951 in Baltimore, Md to the late John and Margaret Goodman. The brother to 8 siblings, he was educated at Mergenthaler Vocational Technical High School (MERVO). He enjoyed baking and was a wrestling phenom that made it to the second round of Olympic Trials. While attending the University of Baltimore, he met Loretta O. Edmondson working at Gino’s. They fell in love, married April 20, 1974 and had three beautiful daughters.

Al joined the US Marine Corps, serving 26 years (1973 – 1999). During his service to this nation, he took his wife and children with him to all but 1 duty station. Some of his duty stations include Drill Instructor at Marine Corps Recruiting Depot San Diego, California; Embassy duties at Panama and Syria; Marine Wing Support Squadron 274 in Cherry Point, NC; Golf Battery 3rd Battalion 10th Marine Regiment in Camp Lejeune, NC; VMFA 533 in Marine Corps Air Station Beaufort and MATSG Naval Air Station Cecil Field. He also served in the Gulf War.

Between deployments, Al dedicated his time to his family fishing, crabbing, camping, playing cards and going to amusement parks. Quite the intimidating man at first glance (and second), to his family that loved him, he was a wisecracking, fun loving, no nonsense man, affectionately known as Al, Dad, Pops, Abbot, Uncle Al and Pop-pop. Al and Loretta enjoyed travelling across country, going to Jaguars games, concerts and spending time with family. Al indulged in his passion for golf, shooting at the range and playing Dominoes and UNO with his grandkids.

Upon his retirement from the military, Al became an ROTC instructor at Jean Ribault High and Ed White High School. There he fostered relationships with thousands of students through Drill Competitions, Shooting Competitions, Physical Training, Orienteering and encouraging them to further their educational or military goals. Many of his students considered him as a father figure and kept in touch after graduation. Al enjoyed serving 16 years with Duval County Schools.

He is survived by his loving wife of 48 years, Loretta; their three daughters Chanell Anderson (Uries, Cdr USN), Lynette Moultrie (Darrin), Darien Reynolds (Michael); eight grandchildren Marcus Anderson, LaShauna Cole (Jasmine), Renya Anderson, D’Andre Moultrie, Deven Moultrie, Damari Moultrie, Amaya Reynolds, Christina Reynolds; two Sisters Thomasena Newton and Gloria O’Neal, Brother Freddy Mills, Brother-in-Law Michael Edmondson, Cousin-in-Law Sister Josita Colbert (S.N.D de N), and a host of nieces, nephews, cousins and other close relatives and friends.

He was preceded in death by his siblings Addie Mae, Johnny, Lawrence, Rudolph and Idiahna.

Celebration of Life services will be held on November 11th, 2022 at 2pm at

HARDAGE-GIDDENS FUNERAL HOME

4801 San Jose Blvd San Jose Blvd

Jacksonville, FL 32223

In remembrance of Albert Goodman’s life, the family asks that any charitable donations be made to:

American Kidney Fund https://www.kidneyfund.org/

and/or

St. Jude’s Children’s Research Hospital https://www.stjude.org