John Little Goodman

John Little "Big John" Goodman, 60, of Statesville, went to be with his heavenly Father surrounded at home by his loving family Friday, Jan. 6, 2017, after an extended but courageous journey with Alzheimer's disease. John was born Dec. 8, 1956, in Iredell County and was the son of the late Graham George "Tommy" Goodman and the late Aileen Martin Goodman Blood. John was a graduate of Statesville High School and Mitchell Community College B.L.E.T. program. He loved and adored his wife, Kathy and they spent every second, minute, and moment together possible. He cherished his children, grandchildren and family. His love for them filled his heart and soul with pure joy. John enjoyed taking day trips, rode the Blue Ridge Parkway from one end to the other, and loved spending time with his family. He was a member of Grace Baptist Church. John was a kind, compassionate, loving, honorable and amazing husband, father, papaw, brother, uncle and friend, with a huge heart and wonderful sense of humor. John served the citizens of Iredell County with integrity and respect for 21 years through the Iredell County Sheriff Dept. as a deputy Sheriff, most recently serving as a bailiff. He was well respected by judges, prosecutors, attorneys and co-workers alike. Everyone felt safe in his presence. John is survived by his loving and devoted wife, Kathy Carter-Goodman. In addition to his wife he is survived by four daughters and one son, Kathleen Smith (Mike), Sloane Goodman, Joni Barrett (Eddie), Danielle Golden, and William "Billy" Blackwell Jr.; sisters, Susan Robertson (Ken) and Jayne Taylor (Ronnie); stepsister, Theresa Waters (John); stepbrothers, Donald Blood (Debbie) and Jeff Blood; nine grandchildren, Nathan, Noah, Nicholas, Gavin, Hunner, Lillian, Elijah, Matayah and Marshall, who were his pride and joy; numerous nieces, nephews, grandnieces and grandnephews he loved dearly; and his lifelong best friend, Mark Haddix (Lauren), who he loved as a brother. In addition to his father and mother, John was preceeded in death by stepfather, Donald D. Blood Sr.; brother, Michael Blood; sister, Laura Blood Quinlan; son-in-law, Capt. Jonathan "J.J." Golden; aunt, Kathleen Martin; and former wife and dear friend, Brenda McManus. Special appreciation is extended to the following for the care, kindness, respect, love and support shown for John and our family during this journey: Dr. Alisa Nance and staff, Dr. Craig Dubois and staff, everyone at Elder Center of Statesville, Hospice of Iredell doctors, nurses, CNAs, social workers, chaplains and staff, and everyone who took a moment out of their day to pray, text, call, bring food, visit, give hugs, or think of us. Without each of you we could not have made it through this journey and you are all greatly appreciated. In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations be made to Sloane Goodman towards her college fund. Please mail checks to State Employees Credit Union, 1742 Wilkesboro Hwy. N, Statesville, NC 28625. The family will hold visitation Thursday, Jan. 12, from 4 to 7:30 p.m., at the home of John and Kathy Goodman in Statesville. A special pot-luck dinner/celebration of life will be held to honor John Saturday, Jan. 14, at 5 p.m., at Grace Baptist Church, 719 Club Drive in Statesville. Nicholson Funeral Home is assisting the family.