Herbert "Bill" Jennings Goodrum

Herbert “Bill” Jennings Goodrum (83) passed peacefully on July 16, 2013. Bill is preceded in death by his loving wife of 55 years Ruth Thomason Goodrum and siblings Jimmy, Marvin, Kathleen and Lois. He is survived by daughter Teresa Goodrum Carver, son Michael Jennings Goodrum, granddaughters Rachel (David) Bailey and Bridget (Sarah Ramsey) Tucker and great-granddaughter Jennings Colleen Bailey. Billy is also survived by his brother James (Cleo) Goodrum and other extended family members.

Bill’s parents moved the family from the Charlotte area to Wilmington in 1932. At 17, Bill joined the US Navy on what was called a “kiddie tour” due to his young age and spent a total of 6 years in the Navy and Coast Guard. He met and married the love of his life, Ruth, in Elizabeth City, NC at the USO club. They were married 6 weeks to the day after they meet. Except for a few years in Plant City, FL during the late 1950’s, Bill spent his life in Wilmington raising his family and working at B & W Boiler Makers with his two brothers.

Bill was diagnosed with colon cancer in 1991 and became active in the community as an advocate for cancer treatment and research. He participated in the ground breaking of the Zimmer Cancer Center and was a member and officer of the local Ostomy Club and participated in the Relay for Life numerous times. The family would like to thank Drs. William McNulty and Frederick Opper for their excellent care that allowed Bill to leave a legacy showing people how to “live life” with cancer. Also, a special thank you is extended to the Wilmington PACE Program and Pacifica Assisted Living for providing Bill with wonderful care during his final year.

Services will be Friday, July 19, 2013 at Wrightsboro United Methodist Church with Rev. Bill Haddock and Rev. Jerry Jackson officiating. The family will receive visitors from 1:00 to 2:00 at the church and services will begin at 2:00 with interment to follow at Oleander Memorial Gardens.

Pall bearers: Tom Carver, Ernie Block, Tim Parker, Todd Parker, Robin Stokes, and Bill Lotz.

The staff of Coble Ward-Smith is honored to serve the family of Herbert “Bill” Jennings Goodrum.