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Vondel Smith South Lakes

Funeral Service: 2:00 PM Friday May 26, 2017
Location: Southern Hills Baptist (small chapel)

Wendell Dale Goodman passed away in Birmingham, Alabama, while travelling with his beloved wife Wanda, on Sunday, May 21, 2017. He was 81 years old. He was born January 3, 1936 in Mountain View, Oklahoma to his parents, Oran Winfred and Mabel Arley Goodman. The son of a roughnecker, Wendell’s family followed the oil industry, moving and traveling around Oklahoma and Texas, before settling in Hermleigh, Texas where he graduated from Hermleigh High School, excelling in academics and lettering in basketball, football and track. He moved to Oklahoma City in the late 50’s, working in the grocery industry as a computer programmer. Wendell met the love of his life, Wanda Jackson in Oklahoma City shortly thereafter, they were united in holy matrimony on October 7, 1961 in Gainesville, Texas and from that moment forward he never left her side. In the mid 60’s, Wendell continued his lifelong support and devotion to his wife by also working as her fulltime business manager and promoting her music career. Together, they travelled extensively around the world. During the 70’s and 80’s, Wendell and Wanda shared an evangelism ministry, in numerous churches entitled, “An Evening of Entertainment & Inspiration” which showcased Wanda’s musical talents and their personal testimonies. Wendell was passionate and felt called to be a Soul-winner for Christ by spreading the gospel. Although his travels kept him busy, Wendell enjoyed the outdoors, hunting and especially fishing for salmon in Alaska. However, he would be the first to tell you his true calling and passion was taking care of his wife, Wanda Jackson. Wanda says "he was always the wind beneath my wings."

Wendell was preceded in death by his:
Parents;
Brother, Harley Goodman;
Sister, Cleta Cantrell.

He is survived by his:
Loving and devoted wife of more than 55 years, Wanda Jackson Goodman;
Daughter, Gina Goodman Simpson;
Son, Gregory Jackson Goodman and wife, Patti;
Brother, Rick Goodman;
Sister, Kay Mythen;
Four grandchildren: Jennifer Simpson Bessinger and her husband, Troy; Jordan Simpson; Jillian Goodman Ramick and husband Clayton and Chandler Goodman;
Great granddaughter: Nellie Rose Bessinger;
Countless extended family thru Christ.

Even though his physical presence on earth may be absent, we trust in 2 Corinthians 5:8 “We are confident, I say, and willing rather to be absent from the body, and to be present with the lord.

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