Mr. Gerald Goodman

Mr. Gerald Goodman, age 60, of Phenix City, Alabama, formerly of Thomaston, died Saturday, August 6, 2022, at Piedmont Columbus Regional Hospital in Columbus. A memorial service to honor Gerald’s life will be held Saturday, August 13, at 2:00 PM, in the chapel of Fletcher-Day Funeral Home. The family will receive friends from 12:00 Noon until 2:00 PM on Saturday at the funeral home. Gerald was born on August 5, 1962, in South Bend, Indiana, a son of the late Joseph Goodman and the late Sandra Hiatt Strickland. He was a 1980 graduate of Brooks County High School in Georgia. He then attended Valdosta State College where he was a member of the TKE fraternity, making many lifelong friends. He moved to Thomaston in 1987. He devoted his life to serving the public and impacted the lives of many through his efforts. He was a firefighter and EMT for the City of Thomaston, a paramedic with Meriwether County EMS, and a Lieutenant firefighter and paramedic with Henry County Fire and Rescue. More recently, he was an emergency room paramedic with St. Francis Hospital in Columbus and was presently employed with Piedmont Columbus Regional Hospital. Gerald constantly sought training to improve his skills in many areas and passed along his knowledge through instructor and mentor roles. Gerald loved his family, especially his children and grandchildren. He openly shared how much he enjoyed getting to be a father to his two sons and his two "bonus kids." He was an avid sports fan, faithful to the Georgia Bulldogs, and participated in sports throughout his life. He was a long-time soccer coach with the Upson County Soccer Association, impacting the lives of many of Thomaston's youth. He enjoyed playing golf with his sons and friends. Recently, he participated in and often won many regional golf tournaments. He also enjoyed spending time on the water fishing with his sons. Gerald was well known for his construction skills and his willingness to lend a helping hand. He was a past member of United Methodist Church, New Hope Baptist Church, and Mountain View Baptist Church in Thomaston. In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his stepfather, Chuck Strickland. Gerald leaves behind to cherish his memory, his son, Chris (Thea) Goodman of Neenah, Wisconsin; his son, Dustin (Hollye) Goodman of Atlanta; his daughter, Amberley (Eric) Ballard of Savannah; his son, Daniel Clements of Savannah; his sister, Connie Goodman of Joes, Colorado; and his five grandchildren, Hunter, Ruby, Iris, Kyleigh, and Emmalyn. In lieu of flowers the family requests that donations be made to the Georgia Burn Foundation, 2575 Chantilly Dr. Atlanta, GA 30324. Fletcher-Day Funeral Home of Thomaston is in charge of all arrangements. Condolences and remembrances may be expressed at www.fletcherdayfuneralhome.com.