Gerald Goodpaster

"Humility is the solid foundation of all virtues."

Gerald Goodpaster, age 88, was a humble and faithful man born to Raymond and Opal Goodpaster on December 16th, 1935. He died at 11:49 pm at the Morehead St. Claire Hospital on October 11th, 2024 due to complications from a fall. He grew up with his brother and sisters at their family farm in Omar (Toms Branch) Kentucky.  When he reached adulthood Gerald chose the path of service to his country by joining the army and was a soldier where he not only got to perform a duty to our country but also got to travel and see the world which he loved sharing stories.  Gerald was a hard worker. After his time in the service was finished, he drove a rock truck over many of the county roads in our area. He found a work home at the local parts store Mountain Auto Parts/Parts Plus. Gerald spent the majority of his life working at the Parts Store, where he dedicated himself to the customers and was the manager until his well-deserved retirement. 

As a devoted child of God, Gerald found immense joy in serving the Lord as a member of the Straight Creek Enterprise Baptist Church. He cherished attending services, where his faith flourished, and sometimes even sang with the choir. He drew strength from his unwavering belief in God.

Gerald shared a deep bond with his precious wife, Nettie Goodpaster, who preceded him in death. Together, they built a life filled with love and devotion. After her passing, he found solace in his involvement with the Morgan County Senior Citizens, where he enjoyed many activities, including his favorite, BINGO. Gerald’s kind nature often led him to offer prayer before meals, touching the lives of those around him.

An outdoorsman at heart, Gerald found peace in the simple pleasures of life—fishing, squirrel and turkey hunting, tending to his garden, and taking great pride in keeping his yard immaculate.  Another one of his favorite pastimes was watching a good car race on Sunday after church. He also held a special place in his heart for the University of Kentucky Wildcats Basketball, cheering them on with passion just like he cheered on DeeJay, his favorite athlete when he played for the Morgan County Cougars.

Above all, Gerald found the greatest joy in being an integral part of the lives of DeeJay, Chloe, and Kim, whom he helped raise with love and guidance. His presence in their lives was a true blessing, and his legacy of kindness, humility, and faith will live on through them. 

Gerald was preceded in death by his parents, Raymond & Opal Muncie Goodpaster; his loving wife, Nettie “Tid” Cantrell Goodpaster; one brother, Harold Goodpaster; one sister, Nellevine Gibson; brothers-in-law, Buster Carpenter, Don Gibson, Roger Williams, & Billy Ray Lewis; and sister-in-law, Venus Goodpaster.

He is survived by three sisters, Barbara Carpenter, Janice Lewis, and Carolyn Williams; a special brother, Jerry Muncie; a special niece, Kim Sparkman; and special great nephew & great niece, DeeJay Gerald Sparkman & Chloe May Sparkman; and a host of other relatives.

Funeral service 1 p.m., Monday, October 14, 2024 at the Potter Funeral Home, with Bro. Jeff Adkins officiating.  Burial to follow in the Coffee Cemetery, Old Hwy 172, West Liberty, KY.  Visitation form 11 a.m. – 1 p.m., Monday October 14, 2024 at the Potter Funeral Home.

Pallbearers: DeeJay Sparkman, Greg Russell, Kendall Carpenter, Kent Lykins, John Gibson, John Michael Gibson

In lieu of flowers please donate to Morgan County Senior Citizens.

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