Eddie Gene Goodrum

Mr. Eddie Gene Goodrum, age 74 of Griffin passed away on Friday, February 6, 2009 at Atlanta Medical Center. Eddie was born May 8, 1934 in Griffin Spalding County, Georgia, the youngest of three sons to the late William and Ethel Crawford Goodrum. Eddie received his formal education and training from Griffin-Spalding County School System. He graduated from Fairmont High School and later matriculated at Atlanta-Area Technical College. In 1951, he joined the United States Air Force. During his tenure in the Air Force he served a 3-year tour of duty as a distinguished member of Strategic Air Command SAC. He also served in the United States Naval Reserve for 13 years. After being discharged from the Air Force, he pursued additional professional endeavors; ultimately becoming an Executive Housekeeper. He was employed for many years at the Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta Airport and retired from the Robert W. Woodruff High Museum of Arts as an Administrator. After his retirement, he worked as a School Crossing Guard until his death. He served his community in many capacities such as a volunteer coach, courier for Two Fish and Five Loaves of Bread Food Pantry and a member of “Board of Directors, Griffin Hall of Fame. At an early age he joined the Haven Chapel United Methodist Church. He later transferred his membership to St. Stephen’s Episcopal Church and then St. George’s Episcopal Church. Eddie possessed an incredulous memory, uncanny ability of making people laugh and “he never met a stranger”. He was known through out the Griffin Community as Granddaddy, Pops and Mr. G. He was Daddy to many and Granddaddy to all. It did not matter whether it was neighbors, relatives or kids on the corner, he made a profound impact on everyone he encountered. Eddie was married to his best friend and childhood sweetheart Wenomia Atkins Goodrum for 53 years. His proudest accomplishment was being “DADDY”. He is survived by his wife: Wenomia Atkins Goodrum, five children: Michael (Precious) Goodrum, Wendolyn Goodrum, Wenomia Goodrum, Reginald Goodrum and Bruce (Liz) Hosely; one brother: Johnny (Lillie) Goodrum; sister: JoAnn Goodrum; sister-in-law: Evelyn Owens; brother-in-law: George Atkins; grandchildren: Trina Goodrum, Teresa (Derek) McCuller, Coretta (Donald) Robinson, LaToya (Reggie) Wimbush, Bernard Goodrum, Phillip Goodrum and his “buddy” Courtney Person; five great-grandchildren: Daniel Goodrum, Xavier Coggins, Xandria Hosely; two great-great grandchildren: Talilyah Goodrum, and Reginald Wimbush, Jr; a host of other relatives and friends. Funeral services for Mr. Eddie Gene Goodrum will be conducted on Friday, February 13, 2009 at 1:00 p.m. in the chapel of Conner-Westbury Funeral Home. Interment will follow in the Griffin Memorial Gardens.

Eddie Gene Goodrum

May 8, 1934 - February 6, 2009