Jerry Wesley Goodman

May 11, 1940 – June 9, 2025

Jerry was born in Huntsville, Alabama on his family farm in Hobbs Island May 11, 1940 and passed away at his home on June 9, 2025 at the age of 85. Jerry was born to Horace Malone Goodman and Mamie Loueva Fulks Goodman. Jerry’s mother died during childbirth, and he was raised by his grandmother Carrie Mae Barnard Goodman. Jerry attended Farley Elementary School and New Hope High School. Jerry served on active duty to the United States Army Reserves for 6 months then non active for 3 years. Jerry was proud to serve but never considered himself a veteran because it was in peaceful times, but he did serve in all required drill training.

Jerry met Miranda “Jo” Garrett while she was picking cotton on the side of the road in Laceys Spring and got friendly with her for a few months before they married on May 28, 1960. He was preceded in death by his beloved wife Jo, she passed away on June 7, 2015. Also greeting him in Heaven were, his parents, grandparents, his daughter Cynthia “Sis” Goodman Salmon, his son Terry W. Goodman, great granddaughter Octavia Rayne Graf, Uncle Earl G. Goodman, and he and Jo’s very loving pet Sophie.

Jerry’s family sold part of the family farm to Norton which later became Saint Gobain. Jerry farmed the family land and went to work for Norton in 1960. He served as a Plant Manager until retiring in 1993.Jerry and Jo dedicated their life to raising their very special son Terry after he became ill with a high fever at a young age. Because of his special son Terry he and Jo were very active volunteers with the ARC of Madison County and attending the Special Olympics several times. They also stepped in to help raise their 2 granddaughters after the death of their daughter “Sis”. Jerry and Jo loved their family and were so proud of each one.

Jerry enjoyed many hobbies; in his younger years he enjoyed hunting small game and fishing with his friends. When he slowed down he enjoyed gardening, watching sports, playing cards, spending time with his family and recently his great grandchildren, attending family gatherings, especially the birthday parties for the little ones. Jerry attended Hobbs Island Baptist Church when he was able by the way of multiple friends that would pick him up to go. He participated in the food drive each month by the church; he was honored to be a part of the mission the church sponsored.

Our Papaw was a true giver, we as his granddaughters want to acknowledge that he always put others first, always giving when needed. Never meeting a stranger, he was always stopping to talk to people even if he didn’t know them.

Jerry is survived by his granddaughters Kayla Monroe (Jamie), Ariel Graf (Colton), his great grandchildren Adalynn Monroe, Elizabeth Monroe, James Monroe III, Lincoln Graf, his niece Melissa Galipeau (James) and nephew Jimmy Chandler.

Jerry’s name said what he was, “Good man”. We loved you Papaw.

Pallbearers: Richard Bolton, Jody Monroe, Marty Eaton, Tony Carlisle, Ira Gunn, David Gunn

Honorary Pallbearers: George Hyatt and Leon Hutchens

Visitation for Jerry will be held on Saturday, June 14, 2025 from 12:00 PM to 2:00 PM at Valhalla Funeral Home, 698 Winchester Rd, Huntsville, AL. Following the visitation will be the celebration of life service to begin at 2:00 PM at Valhalla Funeral Home Chapel. Jerry will be laid to rest in Valhalla Memory Gardens in the Chapel Garden.