William Earl Goodwin Jr.

William “Bill” Goodwin, Jr., Ed.D., a teacher to hundreds, a mentor to many, and a friend to all – went on to be with the Lord on June 9, 2020, at the age of 78. He is survived by his wife of almost 54 years, Janet Adamson Goodwin; two daughters, Kimberly Goodwin Hoover (Mike) and Brandis Goodwin Rhodes (Mike); Six grandchildren, Drew Hoover (Meridith), Hannah Hoover, Hamp Hoover, Goodwin Rhodes, Mary-Michael Rhodes, and Wilson Rhodes; two great-grandchildren, Max and Leia Hoover; one sister, Earline Goodwin Williford (Bobby), and numerous nieces, nephews, great nieces, and great nephews. Dr. Goodwin was preceded in death by his parents, Dr. William E Goodwin, Sr., and Ellen Delbridge Goodwin. A longtime resident of Montgomery, Bill and Janet moved to Birmingham in 2008. A lifelong teacher, Dr. Goodwin was a teacher at Robert E. Lee High School in Montgomery (1964-1968), a professor at Limestone College in Gaffney, South Carolina (1971-1977), and then Huntington College in Montgomery (1977-1986) before going to work as Teacher Education Specialist at the Alabama State Department of Education from which he retired in 2004. He earned his undergraduate degree from Huntingdon College, his masters and doctoral degrees from Auburn University, and completed 36 hours of post-doctoral work.

A husband, father, grandfather, and great-grandfather, he took much pride in his family. He loved them unconditionally and enjoyed spending time with them. Because he loved everyone he met, he enjoyed having “adopted” children and grandchildren.

A follower of Jesus Christ, Dr. Goodwin was active in his church. He served in numerous capacities, including his most favorite, that of using his spiritual gift of teaching. For over 35 years, he taught adult Sunday School and led numerous Bible studies.

There will be a memorial service held on Friday, June 12, at North Shelby Baptist Church in Birmingham, Alabama. Visitation will begin at 1:30 and the memorial service will begin at 3:00.

Graveside services will be held Saturday, June 13, 3:00, at Greenwood Serenity Memorial Gardens in Montgomery, Alabama.

We look forward to receiving friends prior to the Memorial Service while being aware of social distancing. Family requests masks be worn by all. There will be no visitation prior to the Graveside Service.

*In lieu of flowers, family requests donations may be made to North Shelby Baptist Church, 4200 Belcher Drive, Birmingham, Alabama 35242.