Cover photo for Benny Goodman's Obituary
Benny Goodman Profile Photo

Benny Goodman

May 1, 1932 — January 24, 2019

Benny Goodman

Funeral services for Benny Lee Goodman will be conducted at 2:00 p.m., Tuesday, January 29 at the First Baptist Church in Prue with Rev. Garry McDevitt officiating. Burial will follow at the Prairie View Cemetery under the direction of the Chapman-Black Funeral Home.

Benny was born on May 1, 1932 in Marshall, Searcy County, Arkansas. He was the son of Earl and Jewell (Watts) Goodman. Benny moved with his family at an early age to Prue where he was raised and attended school, graduating from Prue High School in 1950. Benny's experiences through his education in Prue School formulated his desire to become a teacher for his career. He was awarded a Bachelor of Science in Education after four years attending Northeastern State University in Tahlequah.

After completion of his college degree and earning his teaching certificate, Benny returned to Prue where he was involved in the Prue School System for over forty-years. He was an industrial arts and business teacher for several years as he taught shorthand and typing as well as woodworking and other skills. He was later promoted to Principal at Prue High School until his retirement. Benny was loved by his students and other faculty members alike. He impacted the lives of numerous children through the years as a teacher, coach and principal. Benny was honored in 1980 for serving as the Head Basketball Coach for the Prue Rockets for twenty-three years. Being raised during the years of the great depression, Benny learned at an early age about making something from nothing and shared this philosophy during his teaching years insuring that all children could participate regardless of family social status or background. He continued after his retirement from Prue School, attending school functions and sporting events and loved seeing the Prue Rockets win.

Benny was described by his family and friends as a respectful, giving and honest man who could be a tad bit ornery and enjoyed playing jokes on those around him. He enjoyed traveling back to his birthplace and visiting in Searcy County, Arkansas. He enjoyed hunting, especially, raccoon and bird hunting. At the time of his passing he had four dogs, Sue, Hoot, Rex and Blue. He also loved vegetable gardening and sharing his bounty with family and friends. He also enjoyed watch western movies on television. As a nearly lifelong Prue area resident, Benny was known throughout the community as a respected member of the community.

Benny is survived by his brother and wife, Bobby Joe and Wanda Gay Goodman of Prue, Oklahoma; numerous other family and friends who will mourn his passing. He was preceded in death by his parents, two brothers, Paul Ray Goodman and Rev. Eugene Goodman; and a sister, Mazie June Goodman Horton.

Family request donations in the memory of Benny Goodman to the First Baptist Church of Prue, Oklahoma, PO BOX 180, Prue, Oklahoma 74060.

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© 2018 (Chapman-Black Funeral Home, Inc.)

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Past Services

Visitation

Monday, January 28, 2019

9:00am - 7:00 pm (Central time)

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Funeral Service

Tuesday, January 29, 2019

2:00 - 3:00 pm (Central time)

Prue First Baptist Church

654 Lake Drive, Prue, OK 74060

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Private Family Burial

Tuesday, January 29, 2019

3:30 - 4:00 pm (Central time)

Prairie View Cemetery

, Prue, OK 74060

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Burial

Prairie View Cemetery

, Prue, OK 74060

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