Dalton Alexander Goddard

Our hearts are broken as we share that our beloved son, Dalton Alexander Goddard, 24, of Memphis, Tennessee, passed away on October 29, 2025. Dalton's kindness, laughter, and boundless energy brought joy to everyone who knew him. His warm heart, adventurous spirit, and unwavering love for family and friends will be remembered always. Dalton’s life, though far too short, was filled with love, laughter, and memories that will be cherished forever by those who were blessed to know him.

Dalton graduated from Arlington High School in 2019. During his childhood, Dalton experienced a life of adventure, calling many places home over the years. He built lasting friendships and memories in each new community he was a part of. He played many sports over the years including football, soccer, lacrosse, basketball, but his passion landed with a spot on the Arlington High School baseball team. His love for baseball would lead him to deep discussions with anyone who would listen about his favorite teams and memorable games, and his excitement was evident in his true love for the game. Dalton’s dedication to sports led him to a devotion to his team, commitment to his teammates, and an arsenal of advice to hand down to his siblings. He shared an extraordinary bond with his siblings, a relationship marked by unwavering love, humor and devotion that was one of his life’s greatest blessings.

Dalton was a bright light in every life he touched; kind-hearted, funny, and full of life. His laughter and smile could fill a room, and his compassion for others was endless. He loved deeply, lived fully, and left a lasting mark on everyone who knew him.

He was deeply loved by all his parents, Ashley Goddard-Tucker and Dustin Tucker, and Gary Rapp, Jr. and Theresa Rapp.

Dalton’s memory lives on in his brothers, Keaton and Hutton Tucker, his sister Aniston Tucker, and his sisters by heart, Hallee Goolsby and Brianna Godbolt (Azariah). He was a proud and loving uncle to Alexander and Hazel Godbolt.

He is survived by his grandparents; Sheila Rapp (“Mamaw”), Pam and Stew Goddard (“Nani” and “Bump”), Kenneth and Becki Tucker (“Gmaw” and “Gpaw”), Jimmy and Debbie Davis (“Pawpaw and Mawmaw”) his great grandmother, Patricia Tucker (“MeeMee”). Dalton will be dearly missed by his aunts, Courtney Wilkerson (James) and Whitney Geitner (Derrick), his uncles, Brady Rapp (Brittany) and Jake Rapp (Rachel); Breahn Wilson (Jason) and by his numerous cousins; Bella, Kallie (Gentry), Tucker, Wyatt, William, Annabelle, Mallie, Nash, Nora, Harlyn, Grace, Charlotte, Andrew, Callen and countless others. Dalton shared several wonderful years with his girlfriend, Emma O’Hearn, whose love, companionship, and support meant the world to him and his family.

Dalton (affectionately known as “Lightning McQueen” by his Pawpaw) was welcomed into Heaven by his grandfather, Gary Rapp, Sr. (affectionately known as “Mater”), who preceded him in death. We know he is rejoicing in Heaven with his Pawpaw, with whom he shared a special bond.

He had a deep love for animals, particularly cats, and often fed dozens of strays around the Memphis area. A firm believer in natural healing, Dalton also found joy in photography, convincing his dad to buy him a camera so that he could capture images in abandoned warehouses and other unique places. Creativity was at the heart of who he was, which was reflected in his art and video projects.

Dalton faced many challenges in recent years and fought hard through his struggles with addiction. In that battle, he inspired and helped countless others to overcome their own addiction. Through all the hardship, his heart remained the same: giving, caring, loyal, and full of love for his family and friends. He would often cite bible verses, and his favorite one was 1 Corinthians 10:31: “So whether you eat or drink, or whatever you do, do it all for the glory of God”.

Visitation will be held Sunday, November 9, 2025 from 4-6 pm. Services will be Monday, November 10, 2025 at 2 pm, with a graveside service immediately following. Both will be held at Memphis Funeral Home & Memorial Gardens at 3700 N Germantown Parkway in Bartlett, Tennessee. To honor Dalton’s life, guests are encouraged to wear his favorite color, purple.

Dalton’s light will forever shine in the hearts of all who loved him.

Memorial contributions can be made to Memphis Union Mission, 383 Poplar Avenue, Memphis, Tennessee 38105.