Clyde C. Goad

Clyde Goad, 78, of Columbus, Ohio passed away peacefully with his family by his side on July 15, 2025. Clyde was born on November 20, 1946, in Mt. Airy, North Carolina to Clyde S. and Mary M. Goad. He graduated from Mt. Airy High School in 1965, North Carolina State University in 1969, Johns Hopkins in 1971, and received his PhD from The Catholic University of America in 1977.

Clyde married Judy Wright of Mt. Airy, North Carolina in 1969, and they moved to Maryland where he began his career as a scientist. While in Maryland, Clyde worked for Wolf Research and Development, and NOAA (National Oceanic Atmospheric Administration), part of The Department of Commerce. Clyde had a superb way of solving difficult problems which came to the attention of his colleagues and supervisors immediately. After a few years in the laboratory, Clyde was promoted and became the leader of the Gravity and Astronomy Section of NGS, his first position after his employment in NOAA. He was considered to be one of the most knowledgeable and eminent scientists in the world, related to GPS. In 1985, he was awarded The Commerce Department’s Gold Medal, its highest award. In 1986, Clyde became a professor at The Ohio State University, where he later became head of the Department of Geodetic Science. During this time of teaching and mentoring many students, he co-founded GeoComp, later Topcon-GeoComp.

Clyde was a true pioneer whose work helped shape the GPS technology we rely on today. He bridged academia and industry, delivering software that brought centimeter-level accuracy to surveying professionals around the world. Through his ground-breaking innovations and leadership, he helped turn GPS from a promising idea into a powerful tool with pinpoint accuracy. More than just a brilliant mind, he was a mentor and inspiration to countless students and professionals. His legacy lives on in every precise GPS measurement and in the many lives he touched along the way.

Clyde was preceded in death by his father, Clyde Soloman Goad, his mother, Mary Moody Goad, and brother and sister-in-law Bryan & Debbi Goad. Clyde is survived by his wife of 56 years Judy Goad, daughters Amy Cotter (Matt), and Kimberly Sauter (BJ), grandchildren Garrett Cotter (Bella), Will Cotter (Courtney), Luke Cotter, Bryan Sauter, Brandon Sauter, and Kyla Sauter, many close family and friends. Some of his hobbies were photography and golf, but his greatest joy was spending time with his family. He also held a special place in his heart for the many friends he made through his Parkinson’s journey.

Services will be held at Worthington United Methodist Church, 600 High Street, Worthington, Ohio, at 3:00 pm with visitation at 2:00 pm on Monday, July 21, 2025. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to Total HealthWorks, evidence-based exercise and wellness programs for Parkinson’s and Brain Health, P.O. Box 12369, Columbus, Ohio 43212 or The American Heart Association at heart.org.