MR. WALLACE MERRITT GOODIN, age 81, of Rhine, GA, died Tuesday, October 29, 2024, at Piedmont Hospital in Macon, GA.
MR. WALLACE MERRITT GOODIN, age 81, of Rhine, GA, died Tuesday, October 29, 2024, at Piedmont Hospital in Macon, GA.
Wallace was born and raised in Sumter County, GA, where he was born on January 24, 1943. As a young kid, he worked for a few years as a soda jerk at the local Varsity restaurant in Americus and also delivered newspapers. He was a member of the 1962 graduating class of Plains High School in Plains, GA. After a stint in the military, he worked for American General, formerly Gulf Life Insurance, for over 20 years. He later opened his own Allstate Neighborhood Office in Americus in 1988, which he operated until his retirement. He was of the Methodist Faith, a former member of the Moose Club and Civitan Club in Americus, and was a volunteer firefighter for several years. Wallace enjoyed helping his community in whatever capacity was needed to benefit others. He helped organize and participated in numerous fundraisers over the years to help give back to his community. He was always the life of the party and kept everyone laughing with his keen sense of humor and wit. He was also big about family. He never failed to make time for his grandchildren and made sure to attend all of their birthday parties, sports games, or any event they were a part of. During his retirement, he enjoyed traveling, fishing, camping, riding his motorcycle, piddlin’, and going on rides with his best buddy Gus. Wallace was the son of the late Bessie Murray Goodin and Jasper Goodin and was preceded in death by his son Gregg Goodin, sister Brenda Powell, and brother Herschel Goodin.
He is survived by his Wife – Jackie Harrell Goodin of Rhine, GA; Daughters – Kristi G. Hulett (Jeramie) of Rhine, GA, and Beth G. Hill of Reynolds, GA; Sons – Tony Morgan (Diana) of Alpharetta, GA, and Clint Morgan (Shay) of Statesboro, GA; Daughter-in-law – Angela Goodin of Butler, GA; 14 Grandchildren and 7 Great-Grandchildren; Sister – Louise Parker of Plains, GA; Brothers – Gene Goodin (Deborah) of Americus, GA, and Richard Goodin (Jana) of Cobb, GA; Numerous Nieces and Nephews; and Canine Companions – Gus and Harley.
The family may be contacted at the Goodin residence, 1745 Adam Springs Rd., Rhine, GA 31077. In lieu of flowers, the family request contributions to the Dodge County Public Safety Association, 440 Legion Drive, Eastman, GA 31023, to the Wallace Goodin Memorial Fund to support local first responders.
Locally owned and operated, Stokes-Southerland Funeral Home, has been "A Tradition of Trust" to Eastman, Dodge County and Middle Georgia for over 65 years.