On July 24, 2024, we lost Robert (Bobby) Harden Goodall, Sr. Bobby was a great American; born in Bowling Green, Kentucky on September 4, 1931, Bobby was the youngest of three brothers. He was born to Effie Steele Goodall and William Thomas Goodall, Sr.
He graduated from Gallatin High School in 1950, as captain of the football and basketball teams. He then graduated from Vanderbilt University with a Bachelor of Arts degree in Political Science and History. Bobby served our country for 2 years in the U.S. Army stationed at Ft. Lewis, Washington.
Bobby excelled at Vanderbilt both on the field and off. He played guard on the football team and was named to the first team of every SEC All-Star team selected. He kicked extra points and led the defense with the most tackles made. As recognition of his outstanding performance, he was invited to play in the Blue-Gray game and the Senior Bowl.
On June 12, 1955, he married Vanderbilt classmate and love of his life, Betty Ann Yancey. Together, they built a family and a beautiful life. They are the parents of Laura Goodall Niewold (Charlie) and Robert Harden (Bob) Goodall, Jr. (Karen).
Thereafter, Bobby graduated from the Nashville School of Law in 1968 and practiced law in Gallatin, Tennessee. He then became involved in residential land development and home-building. He was honored as Distinguished Alumnus of the year at the Nashville School of Law in 2015 for his service to the community. He was inducted into the Gallatin High School Athletic Hall of Fame in 2020.
Bobby is a member and former Board member of First United Methodist Church in Gallatin, former member of the Board of Directors of Gallatin Housing Authority and the Blue Grass Country Club. He was a member of the Board of Directors of Sovran Bank and an original incorporator and member of the Board of Directors of First Independent Bank.
The loves of his life were his wife, Betty Ann, who pre-deceased him in April of 2024 and his family. He was pre-deceased by his brothers William Thomas Goodall (Nancy) and Leon Steele Goodall (Billie).
He is survived by his children Laura Yancey Goodall Niewold (Charlie); Robert (Bob) Harden Goodall, Jr. (Karen); grandchildren Hillary Goodall Bonham (Griffin); Ann Ralls Niewold Brown (Jerrod) and William Thomas Goodall, III. He is also survived by his cherished great-grandchildren: Fiona and Graham Bonham; Laura and Timms Brown. He was especially loved and survived by his cherished nieces and nephews: Adam Drake Yancey (Laura); Katherine Goodall Crosthwaite (Keith); David Christian Goodall (Linell); Lee Goodall Abernathy (Jon); Robbie Goodall Boman (Harold).
He enjoyed travel with his family and wintering in Naples, Florida with Fairvue golf friends and former football teammates from Vanderbilt. A longtime Commodore Club member and supporter of all Vanderbilt sports, he also enjoyed traveling to Vanderbilt sporting events in town and out of town. He was a member of The Tennessee Grasslands Golf and Country Club in Gallatin and Royal Poinciana Golf Club in Naples, Florida.
Bobby understood the importance of family and relished his time with his children and their children and all the events associated therein until his death. He is remembered lovingly by all.
On Tuesday, July 30, 2024, a private family burial service will be held at Sumner Memorial Garden with military honors. Thereafter, friends and family are invited for a Celebration of Life reception from 3:00 p.m. to 5:00 p.m. at Tennessee Grasslands Event Center at Foxland, 1445 Foxland Boulevard, Gallatin, Tennessee.
In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to Fairvue Plantation Ladies Historical Society and made payable to Anita Schadt, Treasurer and mailed to 1062 Isaac Franklin Drive, Gallatin, TN 37066.
Alexander Funeral Home and Cremation Center is in charge of the arrangements (615) 502-0011. https://www.alexandergallatin.com
For more obituaries visit https://sumnercountysource.com/obituaries/
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