John Wood Goodner

89, beloved husband, father, physician and friend, passed away on August 2, 2022. He was born in Watertown, Tennessee to Louis W. Goodner and Octava Goodner, who predeceased him. He was also predeceased by his devoted wife of 65 years, Elizabeth Wilbur Goodner; and his two sons, Gavin Edward Goodner and John Andrew Goodner. After graduating from Watertown High School with honors, John completed his undergraduate work at Tennessee Technical University. He graduated from the University of Tennessee Medical School in 1956, where he was a member of Phi Chi Medical Fraternity. During his stay in Memphis, he met and married his wife, Elizabeth. After completing his internship at the District of Columbia General Hospital in Washington, D.C., Dr. Goodner was assigned by the Army as a Medical Advisor to the Military Advisory Assistance Group in Addis Adaba, Ethiopia. He also took care of the Americans and their dependents stationed there. He and his wife enjoyed this unique and challenging experience. Upon his return to America, Dr. Goodner completed his OB-Gyn residency at Brooks Army Hospital in San Antonio, Texas. Following this, Dr. Goodner was certified by the American Board of OB-Gyn and assigned as Chief of OB-Gyn at Fort Gordon, Ga. He served also as Chief of Surgical Services. Following his discharge from the Army as a Major, Dr. Goodner began his private OB-Gyn practice in Richmond, Va. Dr. Goodner practiced almost 32 years in a “solo practice,” which was quickly becoming a vanishing style of medicine. Throughout his career, Dr. Goodner delivered over 10,000 babies. He was cherished by his patients and praised for his outstanding care and devotion to them. Dr. Goodner served as Chief of the OB-Gyn Department at St. Mary’s Hospital and was on the staff at Henrico Doctors’ and Richmond Memorial Hospitals. He was also honored to be elected as President of the Richmond OB-Gyn Society. Dr. Goodner was a former member of All Saints Episcopal Church. During his later years, Dr. Goodner enjoyed traveling, his family and friends and spending time at his vacation home in Duck, North Carolina. A private graveside service was held at Westhampton Memorial and Cremation Park. Memorial contributions may be made to the Children's Hospital or to a charity of one’s choice.