Goforth, William Joe
William Joe Goforth, 76, of Staffordsville, Virginia died on Friday, December 26, 2008 at Carilion Roanoke Memorial Hospital. He was preceded in death by his wife, Barbara Foltz Goforth. Mr. Goforth was born in Bluefield, West Virginia on December 30, 1931 to the late Crawford W. and Ella Phillips Goforth.
Mr. Goforth had been a resident of Staffordsville for sixteen years and was retired from the United States Air Force on February 28, 1977 after 26 years and one month of service as a Radio Operator, Communications Supervisor, Customs Inspector, Communication Security Inspector, as well as many other duties in fifteen locations including Korea, from December 7, 1951 to September 26, 1952. During his service with the Air Force, he was awarded the Air Force Meritorious Service Medal and three Air Force Commendation Medals, along with several other service awards and medals.
He also retired from the Newport News, Virginia, School Transportation System on September 1, 1992 after fifteen years service as a trainer for school bus drivers. He was a graduate of Beaver High School in Bluefield, West Virginia and attended Thomas Nelson College in Hampton, Virginia.
Survivors include a son, David; daughter-in-law, Alison; granddaughters, Sara and Julia Goforth of Riner, Virginia; a sister, Thelma Williams of Bluefield, West Virginia; a brother, Harold L. Goforth, Sr. of Bluefield, West Virginia; two sisters-in-law, Barbara Peak Goforth of Brushfork, West Virginia, and Nancy Foltz of Narrows, Virginia; and several nieces and nephews.
The life of Joe Goforth cannot be fully accounted for in a few words. He lived quietly and simply, and loved life. He was generous, humble, and loved by family and friends. He will be sorely missed.
A gathering of remembrance to celebrate his life will be held Saturday, January 3, 2008 from 2 to 4 p.m. at Riffe’s Funeral Service in Narrows.
The family requests that those sending memorial contributions, please consider the charity of your choice.
Online condolence messages to the family can be sent to www.riffes.com.