ObituaryOn February 26, 1947, the Reverend Curtis Walter Goodwin, Sr., blessed Alfred and Annie Hinton Goodwin as their second

child in Hamilton, Harris County,Georgia. His youngest sister, Eloise “Pee-Wee” Goodwin Burton Carter, preceded him in death.

Study to shew thyself approved unto God. (2 Timothy 2:15 KJV) In 1965, Reverend Goodwin graduated William H.

Spencer High School in Columbus, Georgia. Realizing the importance of an education, he journeyed to Nashville, Tennessee,

and enrolled in the historic American Baptist Theological Seminary on the “Holy Hill”. He also became a member of the

renowned preachers-only fraternity, Alpha Iota Nu. In 1979, Reverend Goodwin successfully completed his undergraduate

studies and received a Bachelor of Arts in Pastoral Studies.

I am thy servant; give me understanding, that I may know thy testimonies. (Psalm 119:125) As a young boy

Reverend Goodwin faithfully attended his mother’s family church, Friendship Baptist Church, in Hamilton, Georgia. During

his youth, he accepted Christ as his Risen Lord and Savior and joined Tabernacle Baptist Church in Columbus, Georgia. In

July 1969, Pastor Goodwin affirmatively responded to the call of the ministry and was licensed the same year under the pastorate

of the late Reverend Marion Myers. During 1973, Reverend Goodwin experienced numerous successive blessings at Watson

Grove Missionary Baptist Church. On January 21 he was ordained and later that year, on October 11; he was installed as the

pastor and obedient under-shepherd.

Wherefore they are no more twain, but one flesh. What therefore God hath joined together, let not man putasunder. For who can find a virtuous woman, for her price is far above rubies. Her children arise up and callher blessed… (Matthew 19:6; Proverbs 31:10, 28) On April 23, 1977, Reverend Goodwin married the love of his life,

his wife of 34 years, the former Bernice Covington, a native of Kirkland, Tennessee. The Lord blessed their union with three

ambitious, creative sons– Curtis, Jr., Corey, and Christopher. While Reverend Goodwin’s primary aspiration was to please

God, his personal ministry was to cherish his wife and be a model man for his sons. God is faithful, by whom ye werecalled unto the fellowship of his son Jesus Christ our Lord…that ye all speak the same thing, and that therebe no divisions among you; but that ye be perfectly joined together in the same mind and in the samejudgment. (1 Corinthians 1:9-10)

And let our’s also learn to maintain good works for necessary uses, that they be not unfruitful. (Titus 3:14)Among his many professional accomplishments, Reverend Goodwin was the longest-serving pastor of Watson Grove

Missionary Baptist Church, having completed over 37 years of service. Under his administration and visionary leadership,

Pastor Goodwin provided his congregation with continuous spiritual and physical growth. The ministries he established

include, but are not limited to: Transportation, Radio, and several ground-breaking Mission Outreach Ministries such as the

Recovery, Puppet, Dramatic Arts, and Precious Pearls Ministries. The Christian Education and Youth Ministries are among

those that reflect two of his most ardent passions: Education and mentoring. Pastor Goodwin personally licensed and

ordained at least 35 ministers (his “sons and daughters”) who serve churches throughout the United States. Moreover, Pastor

Goodwin guided, prepared, and nurtured innumerable disciples to use their gifts and talents to impact various aspects of

God’s Kingdom.

Write the vision, and make it plain upon tables, that he may run that readeth it. (Habakkuk 2:2) The completion

and dedication of the Educational Wing on August 7, 1988, provided a more effective means for equipping God’s people for

ministry. Watson Grove acquired additional property, enabling the church to encompass the entire block facing Horton Street.

That extension included two apartment buildings. Not content with past successes, in 2002, Pastor Goodwin received a vision

from God to rebuild “the Grove.” Construction began in 2003 and Phase One was completed in 2008. The accomplishments

include a 1,100-seat sanctuary and a Pastoral Suite which houses a Pastor’s Study, Library, Conference Room, and administrative

office. Indeed, Pastor endeavored to ensure that Watson Grove Missionary Baptist will be recognized by it’s mission to be a

caring, sharing, and fruit-bearing church.

In addition to his faithful leadership at Watson Grove, Pastor Goodwin served as President of the Congress of Christian

Workers of the Nashville City Missionary Baptist District Association (1988-2000); Vice President of the Congress of

Christian Workers of the Missionary Baptist State Convention of Tennessee (1995-2003); Moderator of the Nashville City

Missionary Baptist District Association (2000-2008); President of the Congress of Christian Workers of the Missionary

Baptist State Convention of Tennessee (2003-2007); National Vice President of the Alumni Association of the American

Baptist College; Coordinator of the Alumni Banquet at American Baptist College; Billy Graham’s Operation Andrew Committee

for Tennessee; the Metropolitan Charitable Solicitation Committee; Host Committee, Congress of Christian Workers of the

National Baptist Convention of America, Inc. (1994, 2006).

I will praise thee; for I am fearfully and wonderfully made: marvelous are thy works; and that my soul knowethright well. (Psalm 139:14) “Sonny,” as he was affectionately called by his family and close friends, was fun-loving and

generous with an incomparable sense of “GQ” style. Oh yes: “Rev” could rock a suit and hat! He also had a unique gift for

connecting with people, especially youth—those who consider themselves “Curtis Kids.” On his serious side, he was a

compassionate, supportive confidant who, on occasion, dispensed tough love. If he were here today, he’d say, “Did anybody

Tweet you? Text you? Facebook you? Email you?” Hast thou not known? hast thou not heard, that the everlastingGod, the LORD, the Creator of the ends of the earth, fainteth not, neither is weary? there is no searching of hisunderstanding. He giveth power to the faint; and to them that have no might he increaseth strength. Eventhe youths shall faint and be weary, and the young men shall utterly fall: But they that wait upon the LORDshall renew their strength; they shall mount up with wings as eagles; they shall run, and not be weary; andthey shall walk, and not faint. (Isaiah 40:28-31)

Therefore be ye also ready…for we know that if our earthly house of this tabernacle were dissolved, we havea building of God, an house not made with hands, eternal in the heavens. (Matthew 24:44; 2 Corinthians 5:1)On Friday afternoon, August 19, 2011, God dispatched His angels and called His beloved Reverend Curtis “Sonny” Walter

Goodwin, Sr., home to glory. What a blessing! Reverend Goodwin departed this life much like he lived it—peacefully,

confidently, and submissively to the Lord.

Mourning but celebrating his victory in Christ are: His devoted wife and their three sons; a daughter, Bridget (Kerry) Childs;

son, Eric; brother - Alfred “Jack” Goodwin, III; sister, Evelyn Goodwin; granddaughter, Teneshia; four grandsons, Braylan,

Kemontaye', Kelando and Cameron; sister-in-law, Ernestine (Scott) Barnett; uncles, Robert (Nathan Pearl) Hinton, Sr., and

Lester (Alma) Goodwin; aunt, Clara (Walter) Corrin; nephews, Carlos (Joyce) Burton, and Brandon and Nicholas Barnett;

niece, LaTara Carter; a very special family friend, Tracy Wright; and many other nieces, nephews, cousins, and relatives.

Without a doubt, Pastor Goodwin’s Watson Grove Family, brothers and sisters in the ministry, and cherished friends

everywhere will dearly miss him—for Pastor, having a discerning spirit, never met a stranger.

Order of ServiceTRIBUTE FROM FAMILY Dr. Benjamin Hinton

Pastor, Tabernacle Baptist Gastonia, NC

DUET Marable Twins

WORDS OF COMFORTThe Breakfast Club Rev. Freddie B. Carpenter, Jr.

Pastor, Bethel Baptist Church

Close Friend Rev. James C. Turner Pastor, New Hope Missionary Baptist Church

The Clergy Rev. Edwin Sanders Pastor, Metropolitan Interdenominational Church

Spiritual Sons and Daughters Rev. George Parks Jr.Pastor, Riverside Missionary Baptist Church

Memphis, TN

READING OF CONDOLENCES AND RESOLUTIONS Rev. Margreat SmithsonAssociate Minister,

Watson Grove Missionary Baptist Church

SONG Watson Grove Celebration Choir

MESSAGE OF HOPE Dr. Johnny H. Flakes, Jr.Pastor, Fourth Street Missionary Baptist Church

Columbus, GA

SOLO Mrs. Bonnie D. Hatcher

EULOGY Rev. James ThomasPastor, Jefferson Street Missionary Baptist Church

BENEDICTION Rev. Clint M. Lewis Pastor, Mount Hopewell Missionary Baptist Church

RECESSIONAL

Order of Service

PRELUDE Musicians

CALL TO WORSHIP Rev. Micheal E. WilliamsPastor, Ebenezer Community Church

OPENING HYMN “Father I Stretch My Hands to Thee” Congregation

PRAYER Rev. Breonus MitchellPastor, Greater Grace Temple Church

OLD TESTAMENT (Job 14:1-10) Rev. Timothy J. WoodsPastor, Hopewell Missionary Baptist Church

Birmingham, AL

EPISTLE LESSON (II Timothy 4:6-8) Rev. Ross M. Shanklin Pastor, Emmanuel Missionary Baptist Church

GOSPEL LESSON (Matthew 10:1-4) Rev. George Parks, Sr.Pastor, Sacrificial Missionary Baptist Church

Cleveland Ohio

SONG Watson Grove Celebration Choir

SPECIAL EXPRESSIONS Dr. Julius R. ScruggsPresident, National Baptist Convention, USA, Inc.

Pastor, First Missionary Baptist Church Huntsville, AL

Dr. George T. Brooks, Sr.4th Vice President, National Baptist Covention

Pastor, Saint James Missionary Baptist Church

Rev. Frank S. GordonPresident, Missionary Baptist State Convention of TN

Pastor, 14th Ave Baptist ChurchNashville, TN

SONG Watson Grove Celebration Choir

Reverend Jordan Ivey, IIIModerator- Elect, Nashville City District Association

First Baptist West NashvilleOfficiating

Cherished Moments Loving TributesTo Our Pastor

God sent you to this place

To lead us in the way

That He would have us work and think

And live from day to day.

No matter the hour; whatever the need,

You went the extra mile -

Always ready and willing to share

A comforting thought and a smile.

We thank you for your ministry,

Your guidance and your care.

We're grateful that you were here with us

To teach us from His word,

And we will do our best to keep your vision alive

That “the Grove” is forever a place of caring, sharing, and fruit-bearing,

and filled with an abiding faith in God.

- A Grateful Church Family

Acknowledgements

Honorary PallbearersMinisters

Active PallbearersDeacons, Watson Grove Missionary Baptist

Honorary Flower BearersMothers, Watson Grove Missionary Baptist Church

Ministers’ Wives, State Convention of TN

Active Flower BearersMissionaries, Watson Grove Missionary Baptist

Funeral Services Entrusted toNew Generation Funeral Home

2930 Murfreesboro PikeAntioch, TN 37013

Tonya Scales-HaynesPastor Derrick L. Jackson

Funeral Directors(615) 365-7105

NewGenerationFH.com

IntermentSpring Hill Cemetery

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It is with sincere gratitude the Family acknowledges the numerous expressions of kindness, concern and sympathy. Your love and support during this difficult time will continue to sustain us.

A special thank you to the Saint Thomas Heart Transplant Department whose staff was so caring.May God bless you.

- The Family