Charles Ronald Goodwin, known more commonly as Ron Goodwin was born on March 18, 1942, in Princeton, Kentucky, left this world for his heavenly home on July 28, 2024, in Cartersville, Georgia.
Graduating from Caldwell County High School in 1960, Ron initially pursued a music education at Western Kentucky University. However; during the Vietnam era Ron and his twin brother William Donald, commonly known as Don, enlisted in United States Navy in 1962. They both graduated from the very difficult and prestigious Naval School of Music in Washington, D.C. During his service, Ron and Don stood honor guard in the Rotunda during the funeral of President John F. Kennedy.
After serving four years in the Navy, Ron came home to Princeton at which time he attended a revival in his home church, Southside Baptist . The new preacher, Don Mathis, preached the services. In the back of that church on the night that Don preached his famous sermon, A Trip Through Hell, the Holy Spirit spoke to Ron’s heart, and as he himself would say, he was gloriously saved. Ron was a wonderful conductor, singer, trombonist and pianist. With his many talents and abilities, dedicated to God, Ron was called by Christ into the ministry of music. His ministry bore the evidence of devine leadership as it was effective and beautifully executed. Ron never met a stranger. He had a warm and beautiful smile, and he genuinely loved people. The Lord has truly blessed his ministry, as he has served in Baptist churches in Kentucky, Tennessee, Indiana, Illinois and spending the last 29 years of service in Georgia. He pursued also his ministry education by attending Union University in Jackson Tennessee, and receiving a degree in Music Ministry and Bible from Clear Creek Baptist Bible College, in Pineville Kentucky.
Having started his part time ministry positions at Northside Baptist Church in Princeton and then in Eddyville, Kentucky in the late 1960s, his first full time ministry was Youth and Music Minister for Lexington First Baptist Church, in Lexington , Tennessee starting in 1970. There he had 100 piece youth group and choir. During his tenure in Lexington many lives were changed, especially when he organized an area wide crusade with evangelist Gary Googe. It was there that he met the love of his life who sang a solo that week, his wife of nearly 51 years Sherry Soder Goodwin. Together they have served Christ as a team for 50 years.
In his ministries Ron had full graded choir programs, outstanding youth ministries, pageants that embodied as many as 500 people serving in various capacities. He launched banner ministries, dramas and musicals etc. In many churches he launched fully graded instrumental programs where musical instruments were taught on campus, and then comprised first a junior band and then a senior church orchestra. His pageants consisted of drama, ballet, choir, orchestra, and banners. On one night 50 people accepted Christ after the program ended.
From 1982 to 1990 Ron became the head of the music department of Clear Creek Bible College, and Sherry was the voice teacher. The ministry there was one of great blessing. He trained, and influenced ministers of music, and young preachers. Once his 90 piece Clear Creek Choir sang a medley of songs from Behold the Lamb, and hundreds of preachers jumped to their feet and roared after hearing Spirit filled presentation. To bring this joy, and encouragement to them as he worshipped the Lord with music was one of the greatest moments, and highlights of his lifetime.
Ron’s influence extended well beyond the pulpit; he was a wonderful leader who inspired many to live their lives with purpose and joy. He was invited to perform the special music for the Kentucky Baptist Convention four times, Illinois Baptist State Association Convention, State Convention of Baptists in Indiana, and the all Northern States Convention, of the Southern Baptist Convention. His dedication to God and ministry was unwavering, and his legacy is one of love, music, and an unshakeable faith.
Ron leaves behind a family who adored him. He is survived by his loving wife, Sherry Soder Goodwin of Kennesaw, GA; his daughter, Amy (Lesley) Pickett of Kennesaw, GA; his son, Jamey (Lake) Goodwin of Smyrna, GA; and his brother, Bobby Goodwin of Princeton. His grandchildren, Jason Sanders Goodwin, Emily Elizabeth Love, Joshua Aaron Pickett, and Joseph Ryan Pickett, will miss their grandfather’s guidance and boundless affection. Charles also leaves behind several nieces and nephews who will fondly remember his friendly demeanor and spirited conversations.
He was preceded in death by his parents, Charles “Pete” and Edna Sanders Goodwin, and his twin brother, William Goodwin.
Throughout his life, Ron embodied the very best of what it means to be faith-filled and friendly. His legacy will continue to resonate through the many lives he influenced. As we say farewell to a man who was not only a leader in his community but also a cherished husband, father, brother, and grandfather, we take comfort in knowing that his spirit lives on in the hearts of those he touched.
Ron’s life was a testament to the power of faith and the joy of music. He used his gifts to glorify God and to bring people together in worship and fellowship. His memory will be treasured, and his influence will be felt for generations to come. As we lay Charles Ronald Goodwin to rest, we celebrate a life well-lived and a journey well-traveled, secure in the knowledge that he has found his place in the heavenly choir.
Funeral services will be held at 3:00 p.m. on Sunday, August 4, 2024, at First Baptist Church Princeton at 300 West Main Street, Princeton, Kentucky with Bro. Don Mathis officiating. Burial will follow in Princeton Memorial Gardens.
Visitation will be held from 2:00 p.m. until service time on Sunday, August 4, 2024, at First Baptist Church Princeton.
