Gary A. Goodman

Gary Arlen Goodman passed away peacefully with his daughters by his side on June 29, 2023.  Gary lived with Alzheimer's for over five years, but when he entered Heaven he surely called his Lord and Savior by name and remembered everyone who was there to greet him.

Gary was born on August 11, 1941, to Johnny Goodman and Margie Safrit Goodman, who preceded him in death.  His older brother, Gerald Goodman, also preceded him in death as an infant in 1938.  Gary married Judy Dayvault Goodman in November 1967, and she was waiting on him when he arrived at his heavenly home.  Gary never met a stranger, and he loved his family beyond measure.  He made sure they were always provided for and that they knew how much he adored them.

Gary is survived by his daughters Leslie G. Eagle and Stacey G. Burleyson, son-in-law Jody Burleyson, grandsons Cameron and Reece Burleyson, granddaughters Meghan and Olivia Eagle and their father David Eagle, Jr., brother-in-law Scott Dayvault and niece Alexandria “LuLu” Dayvault.

Gary graduated from A.L. Brown High School (1959) and attended Lenoir-Rhyne College.  He worked for Duke Power Company from April 1968 until he retired in March 1997.  Gary made many lasting friendships and he loved to tell stories about all his fond memories there.  He was a member of the 1976 and 1977 N.C. State Church Champion softball teams that represented Royal Oaks Presbyterian Church in The Amateur Softball Association of America.  Gary’s love of sports continued for many years as he participated in softball and bowling, and went on to cheer for his daughters and grandchildren in the many sports that they were involved in.  He was a member of the Kannapolis History Association, and he got a lot of enjoyment out of being a part of their group.  Gary was a proud member of First Reformed Church of Landis where he had numerous dear friends and thought fondly of Pastor David P. Franks.

The family will receive friends in the First Reformed Church fellowship hall at 210 N. Central Avenue, Landis, NC, on Monday, July 3, 2023, from 11am to 1pm.  A celebration of life service will begin at 1pm.  Burial will follow the service at Carolina Memorial Park in Concord, NC.

Gary’s family will be forever grateful for the care he received in his home from Carolina Home Care, at Best of Care in Kannapolis, NC, and from Hospice – Cabarrus County, specifically Kim and Gloria.  The staff at Best of Care showed Gary a tremendous amount of love and support and they treated him like family.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to First Reformed Church of Landis.

On-line condolences may be made to the family at www.whitleysfuneralhome.com.