On Tuesday, April 13, 2021, Dexter Leon Goodwin, loving and devoted husband, father, grandfather, great grandfather and follower of Christ, passed away at the age of 85.
Cullman Funeral Home is honored to be serving the Goodwin family.
Funeral service for Mr. Goodwin will be at 2 p.m., Friday, April 16th, 2021 at New Hope #2 Baptist Church with interment in the adjoining cemetery. The body will lie in state at the church from 1-2 p.m. prior to the funeral. Visitation will be Thursday evening at Cullman Funeral Home Chapel from 5-8 p.m.
Leon was born on February 17, 1936 in Brushy Pond, Alabama and was a ’54 Cold Springs graduate. In the mountains of Crane Hill, in a little store, he met the love of his life Gearldean Blackwood, whom he knew instantly when he saw her smile, that she was the one for him. They were married for 53 years, had three wonderful children and many grandchildren and great-grandchildren before her passing.
In his 85 years of living, some of his favorite memories were ones spent traveling and camping with his wife, and with family and friends. He also had sweet memories of his church/faith family at New Hope #2, his work buddies at P.I.E./Ryder, his classmates at Cold Springs and his Calvert and Goodwin kin. Leon was one that barely met a stranger, showed kindness whenever he could and enjoyed sharing stories of his memories with all those who he met. Leon truly was an unforgettable man, whose smile, love, kindness and sense of humor was infectious. Another huge part of Leon’s life was his children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren, he loved each one of them with an abundance of everlasting love that will be cherished and passed on for lifetimes. It was his love for them that kept him fighting his fight with cancer and dialysis for the last three years. Though he will be missed, his family is rejoicing at his arrival into God’s presence and reunion with his beloved wife.
He was preceded in death by his parents: Joseph & Delta Calvert Goodwin; his wife: Gearldean Blackwood Goodwin; son and daughter-in-law: Mark & Nancy Goodwin; brothers: Canard & J.B. Goodwin; sisters, Esther Freeman, Margie Langley, Louise Williams, Betty Jean Johnson.
Survivors include his son, Ronnie Goodwin; daughter, Karen (Scotty) Hooper; grandchildren: Seth Hooper, Lonna (Tyler) Yearwood, Katie (Adam) Drummond, Christina (Luke) Hauenstein, Candace (Brian) Haines, Becky Cornelius; 14 great-grandchildren; and a host of family and friends.
Friends may sign the online guestbook at www.cullmanfuneralhome.com
