Guy "Rufus" Erskine Gooding

A follower of Jesus Christ, Rufus’s life was defined by his love for his wife and daughters. He loved cooking for his girls, even if it meant serving separate dinners for everyone. He loved taking in life from whatever rocking chair offered the best view, and he took every opportunity to laugh at jokes until he cried. Rufus was endlessly proud of his four nurses, even though he had to eat more salads and buy a pair of walking shoes.

After an emotional struggle with alcoholism, Rufus chose life and sought treatment and recovery at Fellowship Hall. Armed with the courage to fight his addictions, the love of his family, and the strength of his Savior, Rufus’s recovery was marked by a grace-filled restoration and peace that comes from honoring God with his journey.

Rufus is survived by his wife, Judy Gooding, their three children, Susan (Nate) Wilkinson, Lisa (Rick) Foxworth, and Mary (Calvin) Gaunce, and their one grandchild, Cooper Guy Wilkinson. He is also survived by his mother, Jan Gooding, and his siblings, Tim Gooding, Becky (Lee) Laskody, Julie (Michael) Hasty, and Ann (Steve) Guyan. Rufus is preceded in death by his father, Guy Vernon Gooding and his mother-in-law, Clara Barkhouse.

The family will receive friends and visitors at 4pm on Tuesday, October 20, 2015 at Crossroads Fellowship (2721 E. Millbrook) for a celebration of life. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to Fellowship Hall Changing Lives Campaign (Greensboro, NC) or to Crossroads Fellowship (Raleigh, NC).

The family is grateful for the love, prayers, and support of all those who have gathered during this time.