Addison Maxwell “Max” Goddard passed away on Friday, January 30th, at the age of 94.
Max was born on November 28, 1931, in Canton, Ohio, to Carl and Nell Goddard. He was number seven of fourteen children and was predeceased by all of his siblings except one sister, Janet Stoneking of Tavares, Florida. He was also predeceased by a great-grandson and a son-in-law.
He is survived by his wife of 72 years, Louise Crumpler Goddard; two sons, Timothy Goddard and Jerry Goddard, and his wife, Mary; two daughters, Kathleen Goddard Houston and Amy Goddard Lydic and her husband, Mark. He is also survived by a sister, Janet Stoneking, a brother-in-law, Bobby Crumpler, nine Grandchildren, several Great-grandchildren, and numerous nieces and nephews.
Max graduated from East Sparta High School and promptly joined the U.S. Navy. While stationed in Norfolk, he met Louise at church in Newport News, Virginia. After marrying in 1953, they made their home in Hampton where they raised their children. After completing his tour in the Navy, Max graduated from the IBEW Electrical Apprenticeship. Retiring after 40 years in the Electrical trade, Max and Louise built a home in Smithfield, Virginia. He was loved and highly respected in his community. He worked as a morning fitness advisor at the Luter Family YMCA until he was 80 years old. He loved the Boy Scouts of America and served as a troop leader for many years. He also trained Scout leaders as a Wood badge instructor.
He loved playing Santa Claus for the children of the YMCA and the IBEW for many Christmases. He grew up singing with his huge family and had a beautiful Baritone voice. He continued singing with the Parkview Church of God choir, the Men’s Quartet, and at many functions, weddings, and funerals, and in several musicals with the Smithfield Little Theater, throughout his life.
Max was a faithful member of Parkview Church of God for over 72 years where he served as a Sunday School teacher, Pastor’s council member, choir member and Boy Scout troop leader. He also went on several mission trips with the Men and Women of Action. He was a loving husband, a kind and loving father, a friend to many and a faithful servant of the Lord.
Visitation will be at Peninsula Funeral Home, 11144 Warwick Blvd., Newport News, VA on Wednesday, February 4th at 1:00 followed by a Celebration of Life in the chapel at 2. Burial will follow at Peninsula Memorial Park. Memorial donations may be made to the Luter Family YMCA Smithfield, VA or the Colonial Boy Scouts of America 11834 Canon Blvd., Newport News, VA.
2 Comments
Max was a dear friend of the Hollifield family and was my Scout Master at Parkview. He and Dad were good friends and were both long time IBEW members and sang together in the Parkview Male Quartet. Praying for Louise, Tim, Kathleen Jerry, Amy and the rest of the family. Will see you soon my friend Addison.
Amy so sorry for the loss of your dad.