Mr. Robert "Bobby" H. Goddard

Mr. Robert “Bobby” Hayward Goddard was born February 22, 1944, to Mr. William L. Goddard, Sr., and Mrs. Ruth S. (Young) Goddard, Johnson City, Tennessee. Bobby made his final earthly transition on Thursday, April 27, 2023, at Johnson City Medical Center, Johnson City, Tennessee, after a brief illness. Bobby was an exceptional athlete while attending Langston High School, where he played football and basketball. He and his brother William were a dynamic duo, playing basketball together, they were referred to as “Rat and Roach”. Bobby also earned the nickname “Lovely” based on his ability to shoot the ball and his skills on the court. During his senior year in 1962, the basketball team reached the state tournament, which was the school’s highest accomplishment in the sport. Bobby was a graduate of the 1962 class and shortly after graduation, he left Johnson City to join the Army. He served until 1965, also participating in sports during his time in the military, and then returned home. Bobby lived in several different places and worked his entire life, until his health would no longer allow it. He lived in Massachusetts, Michigan, California, and Washington, DC. In his youth, he worked for the Mason Dixon trucking company in Kingsport as well as for Good Humor, driving ice cream trucks in Washington, and for the Tennessee Valley Authority at Phipps Bend Nuclear Plant in Surgoinsville. He worked at the Veteran Affairs Medical Center in Johnson City for several years as well as the Specialty Hospital. His last place of employment was Doubletree Hotel. He also worked as a floor fitter and carpet installer for over thirty years. Bobby was warm-hearted with an easygoing nature. He believed in helping his fellow man or anyone who was down or having a hard time. He was well-known in Johnson City and had a special way of greeting everyone he knew. He always appreciated the chance to enjoy a home-cooked meal or spend time with family and friends. He was a fishing enthusiast as well. While relaxing, he would enjoy watching a college basketball game or any good Western. He was also a dedicated member of West Market Street United Methodist Church. Bobby was preceded in death by his father, William L. Goddard Sr.; mother, Ruth S. Goddard; wife, Delores Lynn Goddard; sister, Annetta Sue Goddard; brother, William L. Goddard, Jr.; son, Calvin H. Goddard; and grandson, Michael K. Gamble. To cherish his memory, he leaves his daughter, Leslie (fiancé, Jerome Gamble) Goddard, Windsor Mill, MD; sons: Juan Carpenter of Johnson City, John Young of Elizabethton, and Sherman (Tasha) Eury of Bristol; as well as stepdaughter Harriet (Lenny) Jordan-Rand, Huntsville, AL; his siblings Veral Jean (Robert) Neal of Johnson City, Billie Evans of Jonesborough, Frank M. Goddard of Leavenworth, KS, and Linda Treadwell of Knoxville; his former wife, Karen W. Goddard of Johnson City; special friend and cousin Charles Yett; siblings-in-law Gwendolyn (James) Cowan, Lois Hicks, Gloria Stines, Betty Reynolds, and Thomas Reynolds; 11 grandchildren, 1 great-grandchild, and several nieces, nephews, relatives, and friends. The family would like to recognize the staff of the Veteran Affairs Medical Center, where Bobby received lifelong medical care, as well as DaVita Tennessee Valley Dialysis Center, Johnson City Medical Center, Quillen Rehabilitation Hospital, and Lakebridge Healthcare Center, all in Johnson City, for their care of Bobby during his illness and the last months of his life. A special thank you is given to the Palliative Care team at JCMC for the extra consideration they gave to Bobby and his family. Bobby’s warmth was appreciated by those who cared for him, and he was consistently thanked for serving his country.