Gerald Goodman

GOODMAN, Gerald - age 87, a lifelong resident of Grand Blanc, MI, died peacefully on May 7, 2014. Gerald (Jerry) was born July 27, 1926 to Olla and Elmer Goodman of Grand Blanc. He lived a life of devotion to his family and service to his country, his career, and his community. Gerald served in the United States Army during World War II as a dog trainer. From tinkering with tractors on the farm as a boy, to repairing farmers’ tractors for Throop Equipment Co. of Grand Blanc and Byron, to supervising large trucks and equipment mechanics at Pontiac Motors…he was gifted with an innate knowledge of how things work and how to repair them when they did not. Gerald was active in Big Brothers, 4-H, the Collector’s Club, and the Grand Blanc Masonic Lodge. After retirement, he gave another 27 years of service to his community as a volunteer docent at the Grand Blanc Heritage Museum and as “sheriff” at Crossroads Village and Huckleberry Railroad. He enjoyed crafting beauty from wood, collecting model trains, antique cars, bluegrass music, and cowboy movies. Gerald is survived by his companion/caretaker, Georgia Thompson; daughters, Linda Goodman of Milford, NH and Penny Goodman Helms of Mt. Morris; four grandchildren; 2 ½ great-grandchildren; and several nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his wife of 59 years, Margaret Taylor Goodman; and daughter, Pamela Goodman Reeves. Visitation will be Saturday, May 17, 2014 from 11AM-8PM at Hill Funeral Home, 11723 S. Saginaw St., Grand Blanc, MI. Funeral Services will be at 4PM Sunday, May 18, 2014 at the Grand Blanc United Methodist Church, 515 Bush Ave., Grand Blanc, MI., with visitation one hour prior to the service, Reverend Linda Goodman and Pastor Patrick England officiating. Private interment will take place at Evergreen Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the Grand Blanc Heritage Museum, Crossroads Village, or the Grand Blanc United Methodist Church. Arrangements by Hill Funeral Home, 11723 S. Saginaw St., Grand Blanc where online condolences may be shared with the family at www.hillfh.com.with" target="_blank" rel="nofollow">www.hillfh.com.with the family at www.hillfh.com.