Obituary of William "Bill" Goodnight

William “Bill” Houston Goodnight, age 87, was called to his heavenly home on August 30, 2019.  Funeral services are scheduled for 2:00 PM, Tuesday, September 3, 2019, in the chapel of Golden Funeral Home, with Bro. Jim Ingram officiating.  Interment will follow in Memorial Park Cemetery.  Visitation will precede the service beginning at 1:00 PM

Bill is survived by his wife, Martha Sue Becton Goodnight; son Barry Becton and wife Teresa; daughter Beth Becton Young and husband Dave; brother Charles and wife Trudy; brother-in-law Glen Cockrell; and Larry Williams and wife Leigh. He leaves loving memories with his seven grandchildren, Beau and Lindsay Becton, Casey and A’naliese Towns, Ross and Millena Wilson, and McClendon Williams. His legacy will be remembered through his seven great-grandchildren, Adalyn, Steele, Shepard, Brave, Solomon, Arrow, and Durban. He is also fondly remembered by a host of nieces, nephews, family, and friends.

He is preceded in death by his first wife Jean Culp Goodnight; daughter Belinda Gaye Goodnight; sister Joy Cockrell, sister Bettye Greenwall and husband John; and sister Patricia Desmond and husband Jerry.

Bill served 22 years in the Air Force during the Korean Conflict and Vietnam War. During his service, he completed his Bachelor Degree in Education. He retired from service as a Chief Master Sergeant and went on to work in Air Traffic Control for the Federal Aviation Administration for 18 years. Bill then completed a Master Degree plus 30 in Education from the University of Oklahoma.

Bill was proud of his service to his country, but he was most proud of his service to the Kingdom. He was an active member of every church he attended throughout his travels in military service and after. He taught Sunday School for a total of 44 years across different churches. Most recently, he was a member of First Baptist Church of Bastrop, teaching Sunday school, serving as a Deacon, and gladly serving in any other way he was called.

Pallbearers for the service are Beau Becton, McClendon Williams, Dave Young, Casey Towns, Ross Wilson, and Larry Williams. Honorary pallbearers are Deacons of First Baptist Church of Bastrop.

The family would like to thank Dr. Joe Byron Henry and Ascend Hospice Care for their special love and care for Bill.