Billy Joe Goble, Jr. passed away on Thursday, October 18th after an extended illness. He was much-loved and will be missed by all who knew him. He was preceded in death by his mother Aurwill VanHorn Goble, his father William Goble, and his sisters Margaret Clement, Betty White, and Elizabeth Buice. He is survived by his wife of 67 years, Margaret Jackson Goble, daughter Donna Sullivan, daughter and son-in-law Beverly and Tim Knight, as well as his daughter and son-in-law Tracy and Joe Morris. Additional family members include his grandchildren Dana Jack and her husband Randy, Dani Coxville and her husband Chad, Matt Knight and his wife Emily, Daye Sullivan, Chris Knight and Jake Morris. He was blessed with many great-grandchildren including Seth, Luke, Owen and Hannah Jack, Cade, Cam and Casen Coxville, as well as Hudson and Brooks Knight.
Mr. Goble overcame extreme difficulties in his childhood to live a good and productive life. Voted most athletic boy, Billy lettered eleven times at Avondale High School where he ran track and played football, baseball and basketball. He turned down college basketball scholarships to proudly serve his country as a combat sergeant in the Korean War. Later in life, he was often seen wearing a cap commemorating that service.
After his military service, he attended Georgia Tech and became a licensed surveyor and landscape architect. He owned his own company and was considered an expert in just about any topic relating to land and development. He was a brilliant mathematician who often tried to convey his insights but rarely found anyone who could understand on his level. He loved horses and raised them for much of his life. In his younger years, he was the go-to guy for breaking and training even the most spirited horses. He was an excellent dancer and loved to sing with family and friends, especially classic gospel songs. After his retirement, he enjoyed visiting garage sales looking for hidden treasures, most of which he gave away to brighten someone else’s day.
He was a lifelong Christian and an active member North Metro Church. His faith was evidenced by his constant efforts to perform random acts of kindness earning him the love and respect of all who knew him.
The funeral will be held at Floral Hills Funeral Home On Wednesday October 24 at 2:00 o’clock. In lieu of flowers, the family suggests making a donation to the Wounded Warrior Project accessible online.
