The Shadow
Billie Franklin “Bill” Goin joined his beloved Lucy in the arms of our Lord and Savior on Friday, August 23, 2024 at the Brian Center Alleghany in Low Moor, Virginia.
Bill was 89 years old, having been born at home on Rose Street in Clifton Forge, Virginia on February 11, 1935. He was the fifth of six children born to Thelmor D. and Bessie Jones Goin. He attended Clifton Forge schools and was an active member of the Clifton Forge Baptist Church during his youth. From the time he was eight years old through his high school years, Bill had a paper route before school each morning. Later in life, tales of those early morning jaunts provided great fodder for the ears of family members. Bill’s handsome, devilish smiles as he relayed those stories would light up a room of young and old, alike. He made certain to get the most out of those paper routes! Following in the footsteps of his two older brothers, Bill worked as a park ranger for a couple of summers. His assignment was Fairy Stone State Park in Stuart, Virginia.
When he was old enough, he enlisted in the United States Air Force which was to become his life’s career. His tours of duty included France, Japan and Cam Ranh Bay in Vietnam. It was during these early years in service that Bill met and married Lucy Welch. She would be his soulmate throughout their lives together.
Following retirement from the Air Force, Bill and Lucy came back to Alleghany County to make their home. An avid trout fisherman and hunter, he also farmed a large garden on his land in Iron Gate where he and Lucy resided. Bill enjoyed gardening with Lucy as it provided sustenance for their table and money in their pockets. Lucy was busy canning and freezing the fruits of their labor as they sold and shared their bounty with others. They were also a team in the kitchen. One of Bill’s specialties was homemade cinnamon rolls and fruitcakes laden with applejack. An additional hobby in which he quickly excelled was making baskets and caning chair seats with white oak. He would explain that this talent was learned as a young boy by “watching his paternal grandfather from afar.” His grandfather would keep him at a distance “down the backway”, and tell him not to speak while he worked. The old adage children should be seen and not heard, was alive and well in the Goin household. Subsequent generations were also ingrained with his model of behavior, much to our chagrin. But Bill was determined to learn the art.
Although a man of modest means, his unsolicited generosity helped through the years to further the education of several great nieces and nephews and provide for other relatives in times of need. He was a special man, brother, brother-in-law, uncle and friend. A Christian with an impenetrable faith, his gratitude to God was unwavering. In these last years, Bill’s happiest moments were derived from being able to remain in his home. It was here that he found sanctuary, providing food and water, daily, for his precious birds and watching deer come to eat from the apple trees. Simple, just like Bill, and these were his life’s pleasures.
In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his wife, Lucy M. Welch Goin; Brothers, T. Dewey Goin, Jr., and Robert M. Goin; a sister, Mary Ann Goin Sales.
He is survived by two sisters, Mrs. William M. (Nancy) Goin Williams of Lynchburg, Virginia, and Mrs. Warren (Betty Mae) Goin Entsminger of Beckley, West Virginia; fourteen nieces and nephews and two very special friends, Carol and Arnold Armstrong.
A graveside service will be held on Monday, August 26, 2024 at 11:00 AM in Mountain View Cemetery, Clifton Forge with Reverend Dr. Emily Hook officiating. Military rites will be conducted at the graveside by members of the VFW Post # 4299. The family will receive friends at Nicely Funeral Home on Monday morning from 10:00 AM until time to proceed to the cemetery.
The family wishes to extend thanks to the nurses and staff at the Brian Center, Alleghany who have so lovingly watched over Bill during these past few months. Much gratitude is further expressed to his “Veteran Neighbors” on the mountain in Iron Gate who, without compensation, have taken care of his yard and necessary work when needed at his home. Most especially, heartfelt appreciation and love are expressed to Carol and Arnold Armstrong whose affection and care has been unwavering and afforded Bill continued life in his home as long as it was possible.
Memorials may be made to the Clifton Forge Baptist Church Youth Program or a charity of your choice.
“Go rest high on that mountain son, your work on Earth is done”.
To send condolences to the family online, please visit www.nicelyfuneralhome.com
