Mr. Roy Alfred Goodson, CFSP

Remembering the Life of Mr. Roy Alfred Goodson, CFSP THE MAN Ecclesiastes 3: 1-2 There is a time for everything, and a season for every activity under the heavens: a time to be born and a time to die, Mr. Roy Alfred Goodson, CFSP, age 70, of Anniston, Alabama, passed away peacefully at his home on Thursday, October 23, 2025 surrounded by his loving family. A respected and compassionate leader in his field, he was the longtime President and a licensed funeral director and embalmer at his business, Goodson Funeral Home. Born in Anniston, Alabama on June 23, 1955, to the union of Homer Goodson and Francis Miller Goodson , Mr. Goodson was instilled with the values of integrity and service from the early age. Mr. Goodson received his education in the Calhoun County School System. After graduating from Cobb High School with the Class of 1973, Mr. Goodson's next path in life would be to serve his country by enlisting in the United States Airforce on June 14, 1973 where he served honorably and earned accolades, including the NDSM AFM 900-3 (National Defense Service Medal) and SAEMR AFM 900-3 (Small Arms Expert Marksmanship Ribbon). Mr. Goodson also furthered his education and training by completing the Security Specialist Course. His day-to-day responsibilities as a Security Specialist honed his skills, preparing him for a lifetime of service-a calling he would embrace wholeheartedly in the funeral profession. HIS WORK Ecclesiastes 3:5 A time to cast away stones, and a time to gather stones together; a time to embrace, and a time to refrain from embracing. Once returning to civilian life, he pursued his passion for funeral service becoming a pillar in his community until his passing. Not only was Mr. Goodson a pillar in his community, but he was also a well-known businessman and entrepreneur, holding numerous titles and distinctive positions while serving his purpose in the funeral business including his most current position as Sergeant of Arms. Other positions held were: Board Member of the Alabama Funeral Directors and Morticians Association, Inc., Life Member of the Association never missing a convention in 28 years, State President, State Chairman, served on the finance and budget committee, constitution committee, voting member, standing committee archives, and last, but not least, Mr. Roy Goodson was a licensed funeral director and embalmer throughout the state of Alabama. After over 30 devoted years in the funeral business, Mr. Goodson decided it was time to enjoy life to its fullest and retirement was the key. Mr. Roy Alfred Goodson dedicated his life to serving others during their most difficult moments. His work at Goodson Funeral Home was more than a career; it was a calling built on empathy and professionalism. He led his staff with dignity and was known for his calm, reassuring presence and unwavering support for grieving families. Beyond his technical skills as an embalmer, he had a special gift for listening and offering comfort, helping countless people navigate the grieving process with grace. As President, owner, and operator of Goodson Funeral Home, Mr. Goodson was a visionary leader who modernized the funeral profession while upholding its most sacred traditions. Mr. Goodson began his funeral career at the tender age of thirteen when he began working in with the late Eugene Ervin. As time passed, Mr. Goodson continued his interest in the funeral business with Lucius Funeral Home. Once completing his Mortuary Education, Mr. Goodson became a licensed funeral director and began managing and operating Williams Funeral Home. Mr. Goodson later became a well-known prominent entrepreneur in the Calhoun County area when he opened his first funeral home, Model City Mortuary. He later partnered with Otis Adams opening Adams and Goodson Funeral Home. Following the closure of this funeral home he relocated to Birmingham, Alabama where he began working with Smith and Gadsden Funeral Home as chief embalmer before retiring and moving back to Anniston to establish Goodson Funeral Home. Prior to his retiring in 2024, Mr. Roy Goodson had owned and operated Goodson Funeral Home in two locations with the main location being in the heart of the city located at 830 Noble Street, Anniston, Alabama for over 30 years. He was very proud of the legacy he had created and built for his family name. His words were, "The Goodson name will forever be known". Whether you see it on churches, buildings, or documents, the name will be there throughout history. He was deeply committed to his community. As a youth, Mr. Goodson accepted Christ as his Lord and Savior and united with Seventeenth Street Baptist Church where he faithfully served as a trustee of the church under the leadership of Mr. Nimrod Q. Reynolds. Later in life he continued serving God and working in his vineyard when he united with New Bethlehem Baptist Church in Bessemer, Alabama where he was ordained as a deacon under the leadership of Pastor William A. Walker. His devotion to God and his church family exemplified a life lived with purpose and passion. Outside of his professional life, Mr. Goodson was a loving and devoted father to his children and a proud grandfather to his grandchildren. He cherished family vacations, especially cruises and was a talented cook and master griller. Mr. Goodson loved his family unconditionally with all his heart and soul. Mr. Roy Goodson's life was one of loyalty, love, faith, and dedication and will always be remembered as such. Those who had the privilege of knowing him will remember his warm sense of humor, gentle spirit, and friendly demeanor. II Timothy 4:7-8 I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith. 8 Now there is in store for me the crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous Judge, will award to me on that day-and not only to me, but also to all who have longed for his appearing. As time winds its course, we look ahead to a future where Mr. Roy Goodson's spirit transcends this earthly realm, as he embarks on his journey towards eternal peace. On Thursday morning, October 23, 2025, after God had graciously given Mr. Roy Alfred Goodson to us for seventy long beautiful earthly years, Mr. Roy Alfred Goodson traded his earthly home for eternal rest while in the comfort of his home surrounded by his beloved family. Once making his grand entrance through those pearly gates, he was reunited with his parents Mr. Homer and Frances Goodson, brothers, Homer R. Goodson, Jr. and Aaron Goodson, and sister, Quencella Goodson McKnight. HE LEGACY In the tapestry of memories that remain, Mr. Roy Alfred Goodson leaves behind a legacy woven with love, laughter, and unwavering familial ties. His presence will forever resonate in the hearts of his children, Maleka Goodson, Renitra (Kurtilyn) Barclay, Sheffton (Darenda) Goodson and Daphne (Aaron, Sr.) Becker; bonus son, Marcus (Nikita) Wood; adorable grandchildren, Malaysia Canady, Carriana Williams, Kirsten Barclay, Madison Goodson, Sheffton Goodson, Rori Goodson, Kayla Domebech, Daniel M. Saintil, Mycheal D. Goodson, Ashley C. Henderson, Chanel Appleby, Payton A. Becker, Aniya Jones, Marcus Wood, Jr., Marquel Wood, Jaden Jones, and Rivers Wood; great-grandchildren, Saphira Olivia Henderson, Bentley Caide Henderson, Dawson Bilbrey, Dream Saintil, Cyair Elijah Goode, and Leilani Jones; aunt, Betty DeRamus of Birmingham, Alabama; and a host of nieces, nephews, cousins, other relatives and friends who will miss him dearly. Mr. Roy Alfred Goodson's life was one of dedication, love, and unwavering faith. As we mourn his passing, let us also celebrate the light he brought into our lives and the legacy of kindness and compassion he leaves behind.

Tributes

Mr. Roy Alfred Goodson, CFSP

June 23, 1955 - October 23, 2025