Rayford Gene Goodrum

Rayford Gene Goodrum, one of the kindest men you could hope to meet and a long-time resident of Huntsville, passed away at his home on November 12, 2014 at 82 years of age. He was preceded in death by his parents, Thomas Chester and Lela Goodrum of Huntsville, sister, Gladys Cole of Huntsville, and sister, Winnie Moore of Houston. He is survived by his wife of 55 years, Augusta Goodrum, daughter, Rhonda Jensen, grandson, Justin Harding and wife, Lauren, granddaughter, Lindsey Harding and fiancé, Daniel Davidson, granddaughter, Lacy Harding, and great grandchildren, Tinley Harding and Brayden Davidson, all of Huntsville. He leaves behind a host of family and friends. Gene, as he was commonly known, was born November 28, 1931, in Weldon, Texas, and attended Huntsville High School, where he played football, before joining the U.S. Army in 1949. After fighting in the Korean War, he was honorably discharged in 1952 and returned to Huntsville, where he met his wife, Augusta, at a Christmas social at Calvary Baptist Church. Gene was selected twice as the local Beta Sigma Phi “Man of the Year.” He always enjoyed helping others, working in variety of occupations. He drove a bus for Continental, owned multiple local service stations, managed the local Exxon bulk plant in the 1970’s, and directed the Solid Waste Facility for the City of Huntsville until his retirement in 2000. In 1960, Gene began a legacy of service as an active Huntsville Volunteer Firefighter for 29 years. He was honored as Outstanding Fireman exactly fifty years ago on November 12, 1964, the same year he was elected Fire Chief. He also served in the Lion’s Club and other community organizations. In his off time, Gene enjoyed traveling, particularly to Las Vegas, and was a passionate John Wayne movie enthusiast. He was a wonderful husband, father, grandfather and great grandfather, as well as a great listener and trusted friend to all who knew him. You will be dearly missed Papa! The family will receive friends from 10:00 AM to 11:00 AM on Saturday, November 15, 2014 at Sam Houston Memorial Funeral Home in Huntsville, Texas. A memorial service will begin at 11:00 AM following the visitation on Saturday, November 15, 2014 in the chapel at Sam Houston Memorial Funeral Home in Huntsville, Texas. Memorial donations may be made to the Cancer Society or charity of your choice. Memorial condolences may be made to the family online at www.shmfh.com.

Rayford Gene Goodrum

November 28, 1931 - November 15, 2014