Charles Willis Goan

Goan, Charles Willis, age 98, of Knoxville, departed this life on Tuesday evening, February 28, 2012 at Physicians Regional Medical Center. He was born July 30, 1913 in Hamblin County, son of John Jennings Goan and Dorothy (Docia) Lennon Goan. He spent his early years in Dandridge, moving to Knoxville in 1924 to live with his oldest brother, George, following the death of their parents. Charles was a 1931 graduate of Knoxville High School. He married Beulah Veryl Breeden of Pigeon Forge on August 15, 1937. The couple settled in Knoxville and operated Charlie’s Café on Sevier Avenue in South Knoxville 37 years until their retirement. One of their greatest joys in life was working the family farm, tending gardens and raising cattle. Charles and Beulah enjoyed sharing produce from their garden with family, friends and local churches. He was an active member of South Knoxville Baptist Church for almost 78 years and was a Master Mason and Past Master of Shekinah Lodge, no. 524. He was a York Rite Past High Priest, a member of the Scottish Rite, and recipient of the Orders of the Purple Cross and the Red Cross of Constantine. He also served as Past Patron to the order of the Easter Star, Shekinah Chapter, no. 456. In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by Beulah, his beloved wife of almost 74 years; daughter, Patricia J. Underwood; and by six siblings: George D. Goan, Walter H. Goan, Frank G. Goan, Effie V. Underwood, Anne T. Adelman and Bertha Diffenderfer. He is survived by his son, Charles William Goan; granddaughter, Angela R. Heath (Kevin); great-granddaughters, Kayleigh P. Heath and Alexia J. Heath; son-in-law, Ronald Underwood (Carol); numerous nieces, nephews and cousins and special nieces, Helen M. Oakes, Dorothy J. Davis and Nora F. Wilson. The family expresses gratitude to Dr. Saeed Etezadi and the doctors, nurses and assistants at Physicians Regional Medical Center for their compassionate care. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to South Knoxville Baptist Church, 522 Sevier Avenue, Knoxville, TN 37920, or to a charity of your choice. The family will receive friends Friday, March 2, 2012 from 5-7:00 p.m. at South Knoxville Baptist Church, with the service to follow at 7:00 p.m. Dr. Glenn Sullivan and Dr. James G. McCluskey will officiate. Family and friends will meet at Highland Memorial Cemetery, Kingston Pike, for an 11:00 a.m. interment on Saturday, March 3, 2012. Pallbearers and honorary pallbearers will be Marc Adelman, Paul Caton, Edwin Goan, Eugene Goan, John Goan, Jr., Ted Helms, Larry Hubbs, William Oakes, Blaine Rule, Jess Terry and James Wilson. Condolences may be offered at www.berryfuneralhome.com.