Robert (Bob/Bobby) Earl Goodson, age 78, of the Villages Florida, passed away peacefully in the company of his family in Ludington, Michigan on March 23, 2016. He was the son of Wesley and Virginia Goodson, and was born on March 3rd, 1938 in Cannelton, Indiana. Bob spent his first 13 years in Indiana, some of the under the watchful care of his Grandmother Edith Alvey. At 13 his family moved to Michigan and there he remained for most of his life. It was a special invitation to a Sadie Hawkins Dance which started a life long romance with his wife of 60 years, Carol Ann (Walters) Goodson. Bob valued his family, hard work, and his country. In 1956 Bob left his job at A&P and joined the Army, taking his new bride with him on stateside assignments. He was honorably discharged in 1959 but not before his son Scott, and daughter Christine were born. He went back to A&P as a meat cutter, and drove cab part time to provide for his family after he left the service. A few years later, he started with Michigan Bell. During his years with Michigan Bell, after the nest was empty, Bob moved to Traverse City, Michigan in 1980 (where he and his young bride had honeymooned). Working his way up from Craft to Management, Bob retired after 25 years of faithful service in 1990. Not quite ready to be retired, Bob started Analog Communications in 1991. A successful business until he made the big move to The Villages, Florida in 2002. Having sold Analog communications, once in Florida, he took a part time job tending greens in the morning to help defer the cost of one of his favorite pastimes, golf.

Bob worked hard, but he also played hard. He enjoyed playing baseball and softball. He was an avid bowler, and he enjoyed hunting. His real passion though was Ball Room dancing and Golf. Bob had the “moves” on and off the golf course. At his son’s wedding, the band agreed to continue to play late into the night, as long as Bob and partner Carol would keep on dancing.

Bob enjoyed the companionship of his dogs. While Bob had many devoted companions, there was none more devoted than Slade, who he lost a few years back. His latest companion, Sophie he lovingly referred to as "a nose with a dog attached".

Outside of work and play, Bob was an active member of the Elks Lodge in Traverse City. Appointed as the Exalted Ruler years later, he especially was interested in helping the lodge grow and giving back to the community. He fostered many programs supporting those ideals during his time of service.

Bob was the type of man that you could count on for a warm handshake, a hearty laugh and lots of love for his wife and family. When walking into a room you would always know when Bob was present because his laughter would be literally bouncing off the walls. A man of many stories he was heartwarming, entertaining and sometimes just a "little" risqué.

Family vacations were always high on Bob's priority list. Many happy memories were made at Happy Hanks and Wolf Lake Ranch in Michigan, and Beavers Ranch in Winter Park, Colorado. Bob was an expert horseback rider and was awarded "Dude of the Week" not just for his riding skills but for his friendly nature. It seems like he never met anyone he couldn't find a way to talk to.

While Bob touched many lives, those that will cherish his memory most include his wife Carol Goodson, son Scott Goodson, daughter Christine Callighan, Sisters Vicki Reynolds, Darla and Chuck Morris, Scott’s family of Miriam, Daniel, Robert, and Erica Goodson, Chris’s family of Trisha and Josh Armstrong, In-laws Gary and Patsy Walters, Jerry Walters, Cathy and Dave Bier, and all of his 11 nieces and nephews and their families.

A Celebration of Life ceremony will be held at 11:00am on Saturday, April 2, 2016 at the Radiant Church, 409 S. Washington Avenue, Ludington, MI 49431 with luncheon immediately following at one of Bob's favorite local places The Jamesport Brewing Co. in Ludington, located at 410. S. James St.
The Villages Airheads
C/O Stephen W. Rule
1547 Fenimore Lane
The Villages, FL
32162-2264

Checks should be made out to “The Villages Airheads,” annotated with “Nick Jones Memorial Scholarship.”

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