William Edward Goodson, Jr.

William Edward Goodson, Jr., known affectionately to friends and family as William or Billy, left this world with the same flair and enthusiasm with which he lived his life, on May 6, 2024, after a brief battle with Hemophagocytic lymphohistiocytosis (HLH). Born on October 29, 1958, in the quaint town of Quincy, FL, William was a beacon of joy and laughter, and his departure at the age of 65 in Tallahassee, FL, has left a void filled with fond memories and thousands of smiles. 

William's life journey was as colorful as his personality. A proud graduate of Sneads High School, he served his country with distinction, becoming a valor-awarded Veteran of Desert Shield/Desert Storm. His military career honed his skills in Army Communications and Nuclear, Biological, and Chemical Warfare but it was his innate ability to make light of the darkest situations that truly defined him. William's awards and accolades were many, but he wore them lightly, preferring to shine the spotlight on others.

He was a family man through and through, with his heart belonging first and foremost to his beloved spouse, soul mate, best friend, and partner in crime, Saundra Dean Amason Goodson. Together they navigated life's ups and downs, sharing laughter and love in equal measure. His legacy includes his son, Ron Allen Hamp-Goodson (Laura) and his daughter, Jessica Ann Goodson Nix, who will carry on his spirit of silly jokes and mischief. Despite the loss of his parents, William E. Goodson, Sr., and Faye LaVerne McAlpin Goodson, as well as his sibling Ricky D. Goodson, William's family tree flourished with seven grandchildren and five great-grandchildren.  He is also survived by his sister, Vickie Goodson; sister-in-laws, Mickey Coon Goodson, Dawn Brown and husband, Jim and Nicole Doss and husband, Michael. His super special nephew, Zac "Delbret" Brown; precious niece, Rachael Kilpatrick; his very special cousins, Ted McAlpin, Darlene "Peewee" McAlpin, Howard Prescott (Trey) Dunlap, and Kenneth McAlpin; his great and loyal friend, Dale Wester; his battle buddies and brothers-in-arms, Bruce (Jan) Vogel and Gerald Ely, will fondly remember their comrade who always had their backs and could defuse any tense moment with a well-timed joke.

Beyond his family and military service, William's passions were as varied as they were vibrant. He loved fishing nearly as much as he loved Saundra, often joking that "I'm gonna miss her", citing Brad Paisley's mischievous song about an angry little "fishing widow".  Only problem is, she loves to fish as much as he. His green thumb was evident in his meticulously cared-for garden, and his yard was a testament to his dedication to beauty and order, though he'd argue, "I'm not making it beautiful; I'm just trying to keep the jungle at bay." His tinkering was legendary; no broken (or unbroken) gadget was safe from his curious hands. And come Christmas, his light displays were so beautiful, bright, and eclectic, Astronauts could have used them as a guide to re-enter Earth's atmosphere.

Generous, thoughtful, and selfless are words that only begin to describe William. He gave freely of himself and his talents, never expecting anything in return except, perhaps to be loved as he loved. His sense of humor was his gift to the world, and his "chronic lyricosis" and talent for developing his own words will forever bring tears of joy to the eyes of those who were blessed enough to know him. As we bid farewell to William Edward Goodson, Jr., let us do so with the same joy and laughter he brought into our lives.  William never lost his spark; he ignited it in everyone he met, leaving us all a little brighter for it. So let's not say goodbye; let's just say, "Billy, you've gone fishing, and we'll catch up with you later."  FLY HIGH!

A graveside service will be 11 A.M., Friday, May 10, 2024 at Mill Springs Missionary Baptist Church Cemetery with Chaplain Gino Mayo officiating. Marianna Chapel Funeral Home will be directing. Military honors will be provided by the United States Army Honor Guard. 

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