Jerry L. Goodson, Major, US Army (Ret.), age 84, of Enterprise, Alabama, moved from his earthly life to eternal life on July 13, 2021.  Memorial services will be held at Hillcrest Baptist Church in Enterprise, Alabama on July 16, 2021 at 11:00 AM with Bro. Michael Mynatt officiating.  Honorary Pallbearers will be Jerry Goodson III, Hunter Goodson, Grant Wallace and Matthew Hanna. Visitation will begin at 10:00 AM at Hillcrest Baptist Church.  A private family burial will be held at a later time.  The Goodson family is accepting flowers or a memorial contribution may be made to Hillcrest Baptist Church Bereavement Ministry. Jerry's devotion to his family, and his firm belief in God, supported him in his illness and ultimately gave him peace.

Jerry was a graduate of New Brockton High School (Class of 1956), the University of Alabama, and received his Masters from Troy University. Jerry joined the U. S. Army in 1956.  He served two tours in Vietnam, the first tour was combat duty as platoon leader (2 ^nd Lieutenant) with the 1 ^st Infantry, and the second was as logistics advisor (Captain) in Saigon. He was awarded a Purple Heart, three Bronze Stars, Air Flying Medal and three Army Commendation Medals for Valor. Jerry retired from the Army in August of 1977.  After retiring from the Army, Jerry worked with Dorsey Trailers in Elba, Alabama, from 1978-1981. Jerry then joined the Civil Service and served as Director of Housing in many locations, and retired from Civil Service in 1999.

Jerry was an accomplished soldier, provider, community volunteer, server of the Lord, and a loving husband and father.  He enjoyed Alabama football, traveling, gardening, cutting the grass, watching the Braves games, and playing dominos.  Throughout his long life, he was proud of the path he chose, and took pleasure in the fruits of his labor.  The one thing he was most proud of was his family.

Jerry devoted his entire life to service.  Not only through the military and civil service, but he was involved with several community-based organizations, to include Enterprise Civitan Club, American Legion, Carmichael Masonic Lodge, Alcazar Shriners of Alabama, and Military Order of the Purple Heart, to name a few.  Jerry was a member of Hillcrest Baptist Church, and served as Senior Deacon.

Jerry was preceded in death by his father and mother, Walter Prude Goodson and Eldora "Dodie" Goodson.

He leaves behind to cherish his memory, his wife of nearly 63 years, Patsy Parker Goodson of Elba, Alabama; son – Jerry Goodson, Jr. (Sybille), Lincoln, Alabama; son - David Goodson, Tucker, Georgia; and son – Steve Goodson (Karen), Trussville, Alabama.  He also leaves behind five grandchildren – Miller Goodson Wallace (Grant), Jerry Goodson III (Fiancée Caroline), Bailey Goodson Hanna (Matthew), Reagan Goodson and Hunter Goodson.  He also leaves two great-grandchildren, Gage Wallace and Janie Wallace.

Hayes Funeral Home of Elba, Alabama is serving the Goodson family.