Roger Allen Goodson December 02, 1935 – January 06, 2019 Share this obituary Sign Guestbook| View Guest Book Entries Roger Allen Goodson, age 83, of San Diego, CA and Troy, VA, died peacefully on January 6, 2019, at his niece’s home. Born December 2, 1935, in Troy, VA, Roger was the youngest son of Lumon Marie Goodson and Lois Gillespie Goodson. He was preceded in death by his parents, nine siblings, and Thomas Anderson, his life partner of over 54 years.
Roger grew up in Troy, VA, the youngest of eleven children. He always had a passion for education. He graduated from high school in 1954 from Fluvanna County High School and received a full scholarship to the University of Virginia, where he received a B.S. in Education in 1958.
He continued his education at Columbia University in NYC where he received his Master’s and his Doctor of Education (EdD) degrees. Roger’s first job was as a teacher and Assistant Director at the Oakland School, Boyds Tavern, VA. It was there that he said his mentor taught him everything he knows about teaching.
He then moved to Alexandria, VA, to be a teacher and Director of Elementary Education for the Alexandria school system. Roger took a one year leave of absence to work at San Diego State University (SDSU); he stayed for more than 45 years. Roger was a man of faith.
He was a faithful supporter and worshiper of The United Church of Christ (UCC). He participated in the founding of Sojourners UCC, Charlottesville, and created a children’s library at Mission Hills UCC in San Diego, which was named in his honor as “The Roger Goodson Children’s Library”. Roger is survived by his adopted son,Torpong (Torry) Jamtawee, Bangkok, Thailand; his sister, Agnes Imogene Hale, Mesa, AZ; and many special nieces and nephews and friends from all over the country.
A special mention of some of his California friends with whom he spent most of his life and whom he loved dearly are: Sue Spohn, Lynn Wright, Michael Duggan, David Sorce, Bob Burke, Albert Edgemon, and David Wiita. Everyone who knew Roger admired, respected and loved him. He was a special person and he will be missed.
The family will receive friends at 10:00 a.m. prior to the 11:00 a.m. service on Tuesday, January 15, 2019 in the chapel at Hill and Wood Funeral Home. Interment will immediately follow at Beaver Dam Baptist Church Cemetery in Troy, VA. A reception will follow at the church.
In lieu of flowers, the family asks that memorial contributions be made to the American Lung Association, www. lung.org . Donations may be mailed to American Lung Association, 1200 Hosford St Suite 101, Hudson, WI 54016.
SERVICES Funeral Service Tuesday, January 15, 2019 11:00 AM Hill and Wood 201 N. First Street Charlottesville, Virginia 22902 Get Directions on Google Maps Family will receive friends at 10:00 a.m. prior to the 11:00 a.m. service on Tuesday, January 15, 2019 in the chapel at Hill and Wood Funeral Home.
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