Rev. John Goforth, 84, went home to be with the Lord May 3, 2012. He was preceded in death by his wife, Willie Mae (Boots) Tuders Goforth; daughter, Treva Lois and infant son; parents, Oscar and Jesse Goforth; brothers, Vadell, Joe and Paul Goforth; sisters, Catherine Brown and Shirley Goins.
He leaves to cherish his memory a loving companion, Jane Peardon; daughter, Shelia (Jerry) Reynolds; son, Dal (Marian) Goforth, grandchildren; Jeff (Shannon) Land, Greg (Kelly) Land, Tim (Martha) Land, Johnny (Jennie) Goforth, Shannan (Rick) Tilson and Cory Goforth; nine great-grandchildren; brothers, Stanley Goforth, and William Goforth; sisters, Ella Mae Rogers and Jean Cagle; brother-in-law, William Tuders; family members, Suzy Martin, Eddie (Debbie) Peardon, Nikki (Tim) Tatum and Amy (Chris) Walker and several nieces and nephews.
He gave his life to the Lord on December 25, 1952 and began preaching in 1954. He was the pastor of Bible Baptist Church, Cartwright Baptist Church, Ewtonville Baptist Church, Oakwood Baptist Church, Pleasant Hill Baptist Church, Maple Grove Baptist Church, Immanuel Baptist Church, Richard City Baptist Church and presently served as pastor to Guild First Baptist Church. He knew who he was, where he came from and where he was going, always serving the Lord. He came from a very meager existence, material wise, but was very rich in God's blessing. He committed his life to the Lord with all he had to give and devoted his life for the gospel of God studying continuously to know God's word and share it with others.
He joined the U.S. Navy when he was 16 years old during World War II. Five days after his 17th birthday, his ship, the USS Gambier Bay, was sunk. He was afloat for 40 hours before being rescued. After his service to his country, he came to Marion County, graduated from Marion County High School, attended Tennessee Temple University and Moody Bible Institute.
Funeral services will be conducted from the Jasper chapel of Rogers Funeral Home on Sunday, May 6, 2012 at 2:00 PM with Rev. Mike Teague, Rev. Wayne Bowman and Rev. Louis Holloway officiating. Interment will be in Pleasant Grove Cemetery.
Visitation will be from 1-9 PM CST Saturday, May 5th at the funeral home.
In lieu of flowers, please make memorial contributions to Guild Baptist Church, P.O. Box 246, Guild, TN 37340.