Tommy was born May 25, 1932, in Walnut Ridge, Arkansas to Guy and Maurine Goddard. He was raised in Nashville and graduated from Howard High School in 1951. He married Ruth Darleen Hayes on February 1, 1955, then the couple settled in Donelson. After serving in the army for two years, Tommy studied business at Middle Tennessee State University, then ran several businesses over the years; namely, Tommy’s Esso on Lebanon Road and Tommy’s Wrecker Service.
Tommy and Ruth raised four children, were lifelong members of the Church of Christ, and were instrumental in the establishment of Donelson Christian School, where he served on the Board of Directors. He knew almost everybody in Donelson, was a well-respected leader in the community, and a devoted member of the Donelson Coffee Call group, where all the issues of the day were solved.
Mr. Goddard is survived by his children, Tommy Goddard (Cindy), Jennifer Conder (Chris), Cindy Goddard, and Paula McCollum (John); grandchildren Steven and Olivia Goddard, Carson, Katie and Caroline Conder, Ryan and Sara Modrall; siblings Lois Day and Dorothy West (Chuck); brothers-in-law Gabby Hayes (Linda) and Woody Harris; sister-in-law Arvelia Hayes.
Tommy was preceded in death by his beloved wife of 59 years, Ruth; brother Jack Goddard; brothers-in-law Vernon Day, Col. Jack Hayes, Ed Craddock, Jacques Dedmon, Carl Duncan; sisters-in-law Faye Goddard, Ann Craddock, Elizabeth Dedmon, Frances Harris, Jean Duncan, Rita Hayes.
Tommy was a great man – a generous, devoted, and loving husband, father and grandfather, who always put his family first. He was known to those who loved him most as Dad, Granddaddy, Papa Tommy, Big Tommy, Tommy G, Mr. G, and Mr. Goddard to his beloved caregiver of 3 years, Lavonda Dobson White.
Visitation will be at Hibbett & Hailey Funeral Home on Sunday, December 20, 2020, from 12pm to 4pm and on Monday, December 21, 2020 from 10am to 12pm. A graveside service will immediately follow at Woodlawn Cemetery.
