Roy Lee Goodson's Obituary
On the final swing aimed at the heavens, Roy Lee Goodson entered into the Master’s eternal care from the fairways of this life on September 2, 2017 in Plano after a brief illness.
His life will be honored in services under the direction of Rader Funeral Home of Longview. Family will receive friends on Monday, September 4, 2017 from 3:00 PM – 5:00 PM at Rader Funeral Home of Longview. A celebration of life service will be held Tuesday, September 5, 2017 at 12:00 PM in the Chapel of Rader Funeral Home of Longview.
An avid golfer, Roy’s life personified the dynamic balance required to succeed in the game and in life.
He lived his life with course management, a singular focus, and a confidence that exuded his love for God, family, country, and golf. He rarely had the alignment out of order and his legacy is the greatest measure of a game well played.
He teed off on December 28, 1941. His driving range was in the deep greens of East Texas. He attended Longview High School; and as soon as his age would allow, he bunkered in the military, honorably serving his country during wartime in the Air Force.
A good golfer needs a great caddie and he found that in his one true love, Brenda Patterson. She was the flange to his soul for 46 years of marriage. She helped his follow through and footwork and the results were a better man and a better golfer. She did the hard work of carrying doubles for him in the raising of their two daughters. His most valued treasure was not found in his golf bag but was found in his role as Daddy and Pa.
Just like knowing which club is needed to maximize impact, Roy knew how to steer the differing personalities of his daughters, Tamara and Leigh, into the strong, independent, loving, and caring women they are now. Their personal success represents his angle of approach in parenting and is a result of his intended line of flight for the spiritual direction so important to them.
His crowning achievement is his grandchildren. His granddaughter, Taylor, was the first one to call him Pa. She was his only grandchild for a number of years and he had a hook from the moment she was born. Taylor’s grip on his heart forever changed his game. This only prepared him for the special bond he had with his grandson, Brody. Although his health interfered with his ability to teach Brody all things golf, it did not interfere with his ability to teach Brody all things Elvis. These two shared a love for Elvis that will be a healing comfort for Brody in the transitional days ahead.
Golfers love an eagle but Roy loved a Birdie. His first great-granddaughter, Birdie Leigh, was a light in his eyes. Her sister, Remmy Louise, only added to his joy and made his move from White Oak to Frisco, to be near family, so delightful.
Alas, life cannot be all golf and no work. When he was not charging the greens of local golf courses, he spent over 30 years working for Eastman Chemical Company before he retired to play and teach golf whenever he wanted.
Roy was known for his humor and ability to make friends anywhere he went. His kinetic energy was a force to be reckoned especially on the dance floor. His family and friends found a familiar warmth in his personal style of Dickies coveralls and the Fedora.
He loved and was loved. He will be missed. Those left to cherish his memory and carry his legacy are his daughter, Tamara Goodson of Frisco; daughter and son-in law, Leigh and Zach Klotz of Frisco; granddaughter and husband, Taylor and Matt Taylor of Arlington; grandson, Brody Klotz of Frisco; great-granddaughters, Birdie Taylor and Remmy Taylor of Arlington; niece and husband, Billie and Mike Jordan of Lake Cherokee; their daughters, Whitney Jordan and Welby Jordan.
He is preceded in death by his beloved wife, Brenda Goodson; his parents, Huel and Bertie Goodson; sisters, Lucille Fowler and Francis Gaston.
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