Article - Howard Goodman laid to rest
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Howard Goodman was held on Tuesday, December 3, 2002 at Christ Church in
Nashville, TN.
Goodman died on Saturday,November 30, 2002 at Vanderbilt University Medical
Center in Nashville, after several months of slowly declining health.He was 81,
and had just celebrated a birthday on November 7th.
At the beginning of the service, Tim Parton played piano softly as the
Homecoming Friends choir assembled in the choir loft.Rev. Amos Dodge shared a
few opening remarks, reading from John 14 and opening with a prayer.Then Janet
Paschal sang "Another Soldier's Coming Home."
After Janet Paschal, Rick Goodman came to the podium and spoke on behalf of the
Goodman family, commenting that Paschal was one of Howard's "all-time" favorite
singers.Rick thanked all the Homecoming Friends and everyone in the crowd for
coming to the service.He also shared a few stories about his dad's early years
in the ministry.
Most of the music was provided by the Homecoming Friends choir, led by Bill
Gaither and accompanied by Tim Parton on piano, Kevin Williams on bass, and
Aaron Minick on drums.The choir sang some favorite hymns, including Unclouded
Day, Joy, Joy, Unspeakable Joy, and When All God's Children Get Home.They also
sang some Goodman classics such as "He Pilots My Ship," "I Don't Regret A
Mile,"(featuring a recitation from Gloria Gaither), and "The Sweetest Song I
Know," with Johnny Minick singing Howard's part.
Tributes were given by Rev. L.H. Hardwick (pastor of Christ Church), Rev.
Marvin Gorman (long-time family friend) and Rev. Johnny Minick, who also sang a
song he wrote as a tribute to Howard called "Faithful Man."
Rev. Amos Dodge delivered the message, sharing that Howard Goodman had left a
legacy of faithfulness, which had already been handed down to three generations
during his lifetime.After the message, Buddy Greene played Amazing Grace,
accompanied by the Homecoming Friends.
Then a recent video clip was shown featuring Howard at the piano singing
"Telling My Blues Good-bye."Howard's joyous rendition of this song brought
thunderous applause and a standing ovation from the crowd.
Goodman was laid to rest on the grounds of Christ Church at Christ Church
Memorial Gardens.Active Pallbearers included Steve Chandler, Steve Easter, Kris
Goodman, Aaron Minick, Marshall Pugh, Jack Smith, Anthony Waltrous and Aaron
Wilburn.
Honorary Pallbearers included Ken Abraham, Les Beasley, Eddie Crook, Bill
Gaither, Rev. Marvin Gorman, Lari Goss, Wymer Harris, Jake Hess, Bob Johnson,
George Jones, Darrick Kinslow, Todd Payne, Sonny Simmons, Ben Speer and Michael
Sykes.
Howard Goodman is survived by his wife and singing partner of 53 years, Vestal
Goodman; a son, Rick Goodman and wife Dianne of Brentwood, TN; a daughter,
Vicki Goodman Meadows and husband Clark of Collinsville, IL;six grandchildren,
and three great grandchildren.