Willis Goodrum's Obituary
Willis Allen Goodrum entered his heavenly home on May 10, 2022. At the young age of 91, he peacefully passed away in his Charlotte, North Carolina home. Son of the late Albert Alexander Goodrum and Annie Mae Hannah Goodrum, he was born in Davidson, North Carolina on February 22, 1931. He was married for 44 years to the love of his life, Lois Booth Goodrum who predeceased him in May 1997.
Willis graduated from Huntersville High School in 1949 and from Louisburg College, Louisburg NC in 1952. He worked as Deputy Clerk of Superior Court until he entered the U.S. Army during the Korean War, serving in the Adjutant General’s Corps. Upon completion of his duties in the war he joined Duke Power Company in the Deeds & Records Department and finished as a Relocation Specialist in the Real Estate Department, retiring in 1989 after 35 years of service.
Willis was a long-time member of Memorial United Methodist Church, having joined in 1962. He sang in the Chancel Choir for 51 years and was active in various other aspects of the church including the Seekers Sunday School Class (now Trinity Class), Men’s Club of which he received a life membership, and serving as Chair of the Administrative Council and various other committees. Willis was also a 68-year member of Long Creek Masonic Lodge #205 A.F. & A.M. where he served as Master in 1964. He was a member of the Charlotte Scottish Rite Bodies and the Oasis Temple of the Shrine where he sang in the Scottish Rite Choir and the Shrine Chanters, serving as Sec/Treas of the Chanters for a number of years. His love of music enabled him to sing with the Oratorio Singers of Charlotte and also travel to Bern, Switzerland and Coventry, England to sing at the International Church Music Festival with musicians from around the world.
Christmas was a favorite time of year for Willis as he continued the traditions he and Lois had enjoyed during their marriage, decorating his home with a touch of elegance that he delighted in sharing with friends and loved ones. He also had a great love of the ocean and enjoyed spending time at his home on Oak Island, lovingly known as “The Wil-lo’s” (1985-2018). Throughout his lifetime, Willis scoured antique shops and estate or yard sales for unique items and/or good deals. His kind heart and endearing spirit cultivated many cherished and long-standing friendships over the years. He was a compassionate and loving person who cared for his family and friends.
Willis is survived by his only sibling Mary Lee Summers of Wilmington NC, his son Kenneth Allen Goodrum (Ginny) of Monroe NC, his daughter Ansley Ruth Goodrum Anderson (husband Darrell Hurley) of Charlotte NC, son-in-law Russell E. “Rusty” Anderson of Lowesville NC, several nieces and nephews and “special family” friends Johnny and Sue Honeycutt of Concord NC. Willis was proud to be “DeDaddy” to his grandchildren Hannah Anderson Burfield (Chris), Colby Anderson (Kristin), Dalton Anderson (fiancé Janna Grigg), Sterling Anderson, Aleen Goodrum Strange, John A. Goodrum (Calicia), “honorary De-boy” Drew Hurley, and 8 great grandchildren.
The family will receive friends on Wednesday, May 18 from 6:30 – 8:30 PM at Memorial United Methodist Church. A worship service celebrating the life of Willis A. Goodrum will be held at Memorial UMC on Thursday, May 19 at 1:30 PM. Masonic and military graveside services will follow at Evergreen Cemetery.
Memorials may be made to any of the following: Memorial UMC, 4012 Central Ave., Charlotte NC 28205; Hospice of Charlotte, 7845 Little Ave., Charlotte NC 28226; or Louisburg College, 501 N Main St., Louisburg NC 27549.
James Funeral Home, of Huntersville, is serving the family and obituary lovingly written by the family.
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