Ralph Andrew Goff

Ralph Andrew Goff, 90, of Rogers died at Circle of Life Hospice Bentonville, AR on Sunday, April 8, 2018. He was born May 4, 1927 in Savanna, Oklahoma, the youngest of 8 children of James and Dora Goff. He was preceded in death by his parents, two brothers and five sisters. Ralph was a World War II veteran. Following graduation from high school in Seminole, OK in 1944, he was drafted and served in the US Army with the 78th Infantry Division during the occupation of Berlin, Germany. Following his discharge in 1946 he graduated from Oklahoma Baptist University and Southwestern Baptist Seminary. While pursuing his education he was the pastor of several small churches, and the founding pastor of Ideal Street Baptist Church in Seminole. In 1954 he received his commission, returning to the Army as a chaplain. During his military career he served a tour in Okinawa and two tours in Germany. He was an Airborne Chaplain with the 82nd Airborne Division, the 503rd Airborne Battle Group and the 101st Airborne Division. After a tour in Vietnam, he served as the post chaplain at Fort McClellan, Alabama.

After retiring from active duty, Ralph served on the pastoral staff of University Baptist Church in Fayetteville, Arkansas, and First Southern Baptist Church of Prescott, Arizona. He is survived by his wife, Joyce; five children, Deborah Wainscott of West Fork, Arkansas, Susan Gabbard of Rogers, Arkansas, Timothy Goff and wife Wendy of St. Louis, Missouri, Matthew Goff and wife Amy of Springdale, Arkansas, and Philip Goff and wife Jan of Siloam Springs, Arkansas. He is also survived by 15 grandchildren and 12 great grandchildren.