Billy Charles Goodrich of Clinton passed away Feb 26 at his home, following a courageous battle with brain cancer incurred as a result of exposures he received while serving in the Gulf War.
He was born in Greeneville TN on December 27, 1963 and graduated from Boling High School in Boling TX. He served in the United States Army with the 82nd Airborne achieving the rank of Sargent and receiving numerous commendations during his service. Billy received his BS and MS Degrees in Wildlife and Fisheries Science at the University of Tennessee, Knoxville. He loved working in Fisheries Science. Billy enjoyed both his work here in TN, and his work in Oregon for the Confederated Tribes of the Umatilla Indian Reservation where he helped reintroduce salmon to their original spawning areas. Billy was a loving and dedicated father and uncle. He enjoyed volunteering his time with Cub Scouts, 4-H and FFA Programs, AYSO, and Kids in the Creek to help young people have opportunities to achieve their individual goals. Billy loved music (especially bluegrass and country) and in his younger days enjoyed working at radio stations and singing in country bands around TX. He was an avid fisherman and especially loved bass fishing.
Billy is survived by his wife Jennifer Waddell Goodrich, children Laura and Wyatt Goodrich; mother, Carolyn (Morrison Goodrich) Healey; beloved nieces, Rubie and Katee Knighton; beloved nephews, James and John Lutz; father and mother-in-law, John and Becky Waddell; sisters-in-law, Heather & husband Todd Lutz and Anne Knighton; his brothers in the Bravo Company 307th Engineer Battalion of the 82nd Airborne Division; and several aunts and cousins.
The family will receive friends 1:00-3:00 pm, Saturday, March 2, 2013 at Holley Gamble Funeral Home with a celebration of life service including full military honors officiated by Tyler Masters. In lieu of flowers please consider a donation in his honor to your favorite youth organization, to the Wounded Warriors Program, or to the Disabled Veterans of America. Holley Gamble Funeral Home in Clinton is in charge of all arrangements. Holleygamblefh.com