February 13, 2019
95 year old Joe Goodwin of Smithville passed away Tuesday at NHC Smithville. Mr. Goodwin was a Sergeant in the United States Army and served in World War II. He enlisted in the Army on March 11, 1943 and was honorably discharged on December 30,1945. During his time in the war he was captured as a Prisoner of War on December 16, 1944 until finally being liberated by allied forces on April 30, 1945. He earned many accolades, medals, and ribbons for his service including, among others, the American Theater Campaign Ribbon, an Eamet Campaign Ribbon with one Bronze Service Star, the Good Conduct Medal, a Purple Heart, the Victory Medal, and a Prisoner of War Medal. Years later, Mr. Goodwin was awarded an honorary degree from Cumberland University, and also was awarded an appreciation letter from the American Legion for his bravery in the face of battle.
Joe was a member of the American Ex Prisoners of War, American Legion, VFW, and a University of Tennessee VFL (Vol for Life). He was also a retired car salesman with Stribling Chevrolet.
The funeral will be Saturday at 11 a.m. at the Chapel of Love-Cantrell Funeral Home. Morgan Wallace will officiate and burial will be in DeKalb Memorial Gardens. Visitation will be Friday from 12 noon until 3 p.m. and then the family will take a two hour rest period during which time they will not be present but visitors are still welcome. The family will return from 5 to 8 p.m. Friday and Saturday from 10 a.m. until the service at 11 a.m.
Joe was preceded in death by his parents, Sam and Daisy Goodwin and two sisters, Mildred Brent and Marie Hester. Survivors include his wife of 67 years Ann Simms Goodwin. Six children, Ronnie and Deborah Goodwin, Elizabeth and Tom Newkirk, Bill Goodwin, Joey and Kathy Goodwin, Pam and Gary Green, and Jill and Doug Omer. Nine grandchildren, Scott and Amanda Goodwin, Matt Goodwin, Grant and Taylor Goodwin, Katelyn Goodwin, Wesley and Melissa Young, Tom and Dena Newkirk, Michael Newkirk, Olivia Sloane Omer and Hope Omer. Seven great grandchildren, Cooper and Kiptyn Goodwin, Wyatt and Lanie Young, Jordan, Kaitlin, and Wyatt Newkirk.
Love-Cantrell Funeral Home is in charge of the arrangements. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Lighthouse Christian Camp or to the Ex-Prisoners of War.