Ellis G. Goodwin

Gerald was brought into this world by Elver Goodwin and Dovie Morgan Goodwin, both long deceased. He was their tenth child. Two of his brothers, Armstead and an unnamed infant, were deceased. Gerald came into their farm household as its eighth child. He would be joined by two others within the next eight years. He had the privilege of growing up with five sisters and four brothers, all of whom loved him, and were loved by him.

The family had much love, but few possessions and no luxuries. There was no electricity and no indoor plumbing. The four-room house was heated and food was cooked by wood, which Gerald and his older brothers cut and split. Times were hard for everyone then, and farm work was never ceasing. All of the children participated in the work, according to their age and ability, six days a week. Sunday was a day for church, play and visiting with friends and relatives. Sunday was a most welcomed respite from the work days. The family had cows for milk and butter, pigs for bacon and sausage, and chickens for eggs and to fry for Sunday dinner. A large garden produced an abundance of vegetables for eating fresh and canning for later. There were also the crops that were grown to sell for income, such as cotton, tomatoes, corn, potatoes, cabbage and others. It was all hard but necessary work. In the fall and winter, the boys all hunted and contributed to the family table. Gerald always considered that he was blessed to have been born into these circumstances. He was proud of his humble background and proud of the family that raised him.

His first eight years of schooling were in a two-room country schoolhouse, in the Gibson County community of Moores Chapel. After graduating 8th grade, he transferred to Milan High School. He handled the school change easily and was an excellent student, played football and was a member of Future Farmers of America. His FFA activities and academic record earned him a Kroger scholarship to study Agriculture at The University of Tennessee, Martin. After graduation in 1949, he entered college for the fall quarter, with full intent on agriculture being his life work. In the summer of 1950, the Korean War began, changing his life forever.

In January, 1951, he left home for Navy Boot Camp. His intelligence allowed him to score high enough on Navy tests to permit him to go to any Navy technical school, so he chose to go to electronic technician school. He then served on three aircraft carriers. He attained the rank of Petty Officer, Second Class and was honorably discharged in October, 1954.

On his way home after discharge, he stopped at Cookeville, Tennessee, where his older brother, Travis, was attending Tennessee Technological College (now University). He learned that Travis had already registered him for the soon to start winter quarter. He made a trip home for a short visit, then back to Cookeville to restart his college career, this time studying Electrical Engineering. He was a very good student and graduated with a BSEE degree in the summer of 1957.

After graduation, he accepted a job with Schlumberger and moved to Abilene, Texas to begin work in the oil fields, surveying oil wells. Two years later, he was transferred to Tyler, Texas where he was to meet his future wife, Dorothy Partain. Dorothy and Gerald married on March 12, 1960. They would love and honor each other until her death on November 2, 2018. The last 12 years of their 58 year marriage, Dorothy suffered from Alzheimer's. Gerald was at her side constantly as the disease progressed. She was truly the love of his life.

For Gerald, a bonus to this union was Dorothy's ten year old son, Mike, who Gerald accepted as his own son. A strong mutual father-son bond developed and Mike became a Goodwin by adoption. Gerald and Dorothy had two other children together, Lori (Chandler) and Lisa (Wabbersen).

In 1963, they moved to Palm Bay, Florida where he had taken a job at Radiation (now Harris) where he worked for 35 years. During his time at Radiation, he worked on several important projects, including the Apollo Program, the Concord Supersonic Transport flight test instrumentation, B1 bomber development, and Italian SAR helicopter flight control system.

Work was only a part of his life. He was a devoted father who gave time and attention to his family. He participated fully in their lives offering wise council and guidance. The family frequently joined him for fishing outings on the family boat. He especially enjoyed deep sea fishing as well as scuba diving for lobster with family and friends, which he had in abundance.

Gerald was born into humble circumstances and was proud of it. He considered his upbringing and experiences of that to be an advantage and contributed to his success. It instilled in him the principals that he built his life upon. He was a man of character; his word was his bond. He developed strong friendships and was faithful to his friends. He loved America and served his country honorably when called. He was a man of faith who instead of shouting it out to the world, demonstrated it by the way he lived his life.

Gerald left a living legacy of 3 fine children, 13 grandchildren, and 12 great-grandchildren. They all should consider themselves fortunate to have been descended from such a man. He was a humble, good man who will be missed by all who knew him.

He was a wonderful brother.

His was truly a life well lived.

Written by Prentice Goodwin, Gerald’s younger brother.