Ernie was born in San Angelo, Texas. He was the youngest of six children. His father Creath and mother Thelma provided a warm christian home even though times were tough. Ernie looked up to his father and thought his home spun philosophies were the best.
He joined the Air Force at 18 and worked hard to become a flight engineer on C-130 airplanes. He had wonderful, exciting stories of his 20 years of adventures. He married Barbara Davis Smith in 1970.
HIs next career was as the facilities manager for the First Baptist Church of Ft. Walton Beach. He retired from there in 1991.
He is preceded in death by his parents, Creath and Thelma Goodwin, sisters Betty Jo Mutz, Wilma Eisenback and Mary Lou Johnston, brother William Creath Goodwin Jr. his daughter Denise Haverkamp and his wife Barbara Goodwin.
He is survived by his sister Ophelia Grimes, daughter Sheryl Heen (Bruce), son, Duke Covey, grandchildren Candace Soldano (Joe), Douglas Heen (Jodi), Tim Whitaker and 5 nieces and 4 nephews.
The memorial service for Ernie will be on January 5th at 2:00pm at Oak Mountain Presbyterian Church, 5080 Cahaba Valley Trace, Birmingham, Al 35242. Visitation with the family will be from 1:00 pm to 2:00 pm at the church.
In lieu of flowers please contribute to your favorite veterans charity.
The Heen family invites you to their home at 4004 Milner Way Birmingham, Al 35242 after the service
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