Billy Ray Goodwin, of The Villages, FL, was born January 15, 1940 in Cumback, Indiana to John and Zelma (Bacon) Goodwin.
Bill graduated from Washington High School in 1958. He joined the U.S. Army Reserves after graduation and completed basic training at Fort Leonard Wood, MO. He was called to active duty in 1961 and was stationed at Fort Lee, Virginia. He married Virginia “Ginny” Davis on his first leave home on December 27, 1961. They returned to Washington after his duty was completed and began their family. They have two sons Alan (Lynn) Goodwin of Washington, IN and Bradley (Kathy) Goodwin of Uniontown, Ohio. There are four grandchildren Chelsea and Seth Goodwin of North Canton, Ohio, Brock Goodwin of Seattle, Washington and Heath Goodwin of Washington, IN.
Bill was a fireman for the City of Washington for 26 years, retiring 1995 as Captain. He built Goodwin’s Garden Center in 1977 and the family ran it for 12 years. They were also owners of the Sundale Mobile Home Court. In 2005, they moved to The Villages, FL to enjoy playing golf year round.
Bill is survived by his sister Cleo (Malcolm) Radcliffe of North Port, FL; brother Nolan Goodwin, sister-in-law Betty Goodwin of Washington, IN; brother-in-law Bert Grimm; and many nieces and nephews. Bill was preceded in death by his parents; sisters Dorris (Louis) Allison, Roberta (Bill) Brower, Joyce (Bob) Arthur, Orma Lou Grimm; brother Irvin Bud Goodwin and sister-in-law Shirley Goodwin. He was active in Village View Community Church, Summerfield, FL. He always had an unwavering belief in God and is now safely home with his Creator and his Savior Jesus Christ. He is now strong, healthy, and happily united with loved ones forever.
Celebration of Life will be Monday, November 19, 2018 at 11:30 a.m. at Hiers-Baxley Funeral & Cremation Life Event Center, 3975 Wedgewood Lane, The Villages, FL 32162. Visitation will be one hour prior to the service. Graveside service will be held Tuesday, November 27, 2018 under the direction of Goodwin-Sievers Family Funeral Home, Washington, IN.
