Joe Lewis Goodman, Jr., 100 of Glasgow, Kentucky, died peacefully, Thursday, August 13, 2020 at his residence.
A native of Glasgow, Kentucky he was the son of the late Joe Lewis Goodman, Sr. and Sara Black Goodman. He was preceded in death by his wife of 74 years Jane Sims Goodman, son; H. Bruce Goodman and sister, Frances Evelyn Goodman.
Joe was a member and deacon of Glasgow Baptist Church. He was a member of the Lions Club and served twelve years on the Glasgow Independent School Board, with ten years as chairman. Joe was a graduate of Glasgow High School and Bowling Green Business College. In 1941 he joined the 5th Army Air Corp serving in North Africa and Italy during WWII. At the end of the war, Joe returned home to start what would become a 74 year career in the automotive business. In 1945 he accepted a bookkeeping position at Boden Motor Company, eleven years later in 1956 he was able to purchase a quarter of the business and became general manager. Joe purchased the remaining interest of Boden Motor Company in 1962, thus was the beginning of Goodman Oldsmobile Cadillac GMC. As time went on, Joe was able to acquire both Chevrolet and Nissan franchises as well. Joe enjoyed dove hunting in his spare time and had a passion for traveling the world. He would travel to any country that would allow him to enter. However, in some cases Joe’s love of travel would find him in countries that were off limits. Joe never met a stranger and was known for greeting others with a friendly “Hey Partner”. His optimistic personality was infectious and a joy to be around. If asked how he was doing Joe would often reply “things were never better”.
Joe is survived by a son; Joe L. Goodman, III (Mary Hall), daughter; Sara Jane Goodman Watson all of Glasgow. Five Grandchildren; Jill Goodman Ordynans (Zack) of New York, NY, Julie Hall Goodman Dickinson (Sam Day) of Glasgow, Jerry McCoy (Tina) of Glasgow, Katie Watson Wheeler (Phillip) of Bowling Green, and Mary Bruce Watson of Glasgow; Seven great grandchildren.
Due to the Covid-19 pandemic all services will be private with burial in Glasgow Municipal Cemetery. A public celebration of life will be held at a future date. Arrangements are under the direction of Hatcher & Saddler Funeral Home.
The Goodman family would like to express their deepest appreciation to all the caregivers for their love and kindness. You have all become a part of our family. Thank you Linda Thomas, Ruby Pedigo, Laura Erwin, Karen Brown, Stacy Wilborn, Sherry Mosier, Tammy Smith, Peggy Barrett, Whitney Early, Sharon Brown, Karen Garmon, Trevor Scott and Bobby Brown. And we remember Linda Brown and Kathleen Rupert who preceded him in death.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the H. Bruce Goodman Scholarship Fund at Western Kentucky University, 1906 College Heights Blvd., Bowling Green, KY 42101.
