E. Gerald Goodson

Born in Marietta, Georgia, son of the late H. Elbert and Hazel (Rogers) Goodson, he had resided in Somerset for most of his life.

He graduated from Plant City Senior High School, Plant City, Florida in 1957 and earned degrees from Bristol Community and Roger Williams Colleges.

He served in the United States Navy as a Fire Control Technician for ten years and was awarded the Navy Good Conduct Medal (two awards) the National Defense Medal and the Vietnam Service Medal (with two combat stars.) After leaving the Navy, he worked for the New England Power Co., Brayton Point Station, first as a technician and then as a foreman in the Instruments and Controls Department. He later became the Senior Training Representative and retired after 29 years of service in August, 1998.

He was a member of St. Anthony of the Desert Church.

Mr. Goodson was an avid genealogist and golfer. He was a member of the USS Massey (DD778) Association, where he served as association secretary and editor of its newsletter. He was also a member of the USS Fiske (DD/DDR 842) Association and Tin Can Sailors.

Upon retiring, he became a volunteer driver for the American Cancer Society. As a member of the Citizens for Citizens’ Retired Volunteer Service Program, he volunteered at Sts. Peter and Paul School in the computer lab and with fundraising activities for 5 years. He also volunteered for The Greater Fall River Community Soup Kitchens, Inc. at their Church of the Holy Spirit site, for 13 years, eight of which, as site coordinator, he planned and prepared meals for those in need two days each week.

In June 2004, he and his wife received the Citizens for Citizens Robert J. Nagle Community Service Award. In June 2007, he and his wife were recipients, too, of the Fall River Area Chamber of Commerce John S. Brayton, Jr. Memorial Community Service Award.

Besides his wife of 51 years, and his mother of LaGrange, Georgia, he leaves a son, G. Douglas of Somerset (Teri); two grandchildren, D. Adam and Lisa; two brothers, Terry and Timothy of LaGrange and Cobb County Georgia, respectively; and two sisters, Twyla Hodnett and Pamela Godfrey, of Pine Mountain and Ballground, Georgia, respectively; brother –in-law Horst Hetzler (Sally); brother-in-law Thomas J. Faris, Sr. (Julie); sister-in-law Eva Simon; and many loving nieces and nephews. He was a good man and true patriot, who loved his country and family.

His funeral will be held on Saturday, September 28, 2013 at 9am from the WARING-SULLIVAN HOME OF MEMORIAL TRIBUTE at CHERRY PLACE, 178 Winter Street, Fall River, followed by his funeral mass at 10am in St. Anthony of the Desert Church, 300 N. Eastern Ave., Fall River. Calling hours Friday 5 to 7PM. In lieu of flowers, please make donations in his memory to the Wounded Warrior Project, P.O. Box 78516, Topeka, KS 66675. Entombment will be in Notre Dame Cemetery, Fall River.