Ben William Goodwin
Published 5:53 pm Thursday, August 16, 2012
Ben William Goodwin (Bennie) of Tryon died Wednesday, Aug. 15, 2012 at the
Currituck House in Moyock, N.C. after a lengthy battle with cancer.
Bennie was the loving husband of Gwen Goodwin for 47 years. Born in Spartanburg, S.C. on March 15, 1935, Bennie was the son of Ben P. and Helen Bell Goodwin.
A graduate of Spartanburg High School and Wofford College, Bennie served in the U.S. Army and was a member of the Army Band while stationed in Japan. He was a professional flautist who played with the Spartanburg and Anderson symphonies and led or participated in numerous musicals in Polk, Henderson and Rutherford counties.
He was a member of Tryon First Baptist Church, where he sang in the choir for many years. He was an active member of the Jeff L. Nelson Masonic Lodge and served on the Harmon Field Board of Supervisors. Bennie retired in 1992 as band director of Tryon High School.
Bennie is survived by two daughters: Tamara G. Reeves (Jeffrey) of Tryon and her two sons, Michah and Joshua Gravelle, and Michelle G. Santa (Cmdr. Tom) of Moyock, N.C. and their two daughters, Elysse and Lauren Santa; one brother-in-law, Bill Allen of Carey, N.C.; three sisters-in-law, Cynthia Padgett and Sonya Waltz of Smoaks, S.C. and Charlene Johnson of Tryon; a number of nieces, nephews, cousins and many, many friends who are considered family.
In addition to his parents, Bennie was predeceased by his wife, Gwen, who died Aug. 21, 2011, and his two sisters, Frieda Allen and Machree holder.
Bennie and Gwen lived in Pacolet Valley in the same house for 47 years. He wanted everyone to know how much he loved Tryon as well as the people of Tryon and the community.
A memorial service will be held at First Baptist Church, Tryon on Sunday, Aug. 19 at 2 p.m.
Memorials may be made to Tryon First Baptist Church Choir, P.O. Box 1287, Tryon, N.C. 28782 or the Currituck House, 141 Moyock Landing Drive, Moyock, N.C. 27958.
Twiford Funeral Home of Elizabeth City, N.C. is serving the family. Online condolences may be left at twifordfh.com.