Obituaries

Phillip “Phil” Goodwin, Sr.

Philip “Phil” C. Goodwin Sr. of Smithfield, VA, formerly of Harlan, KY, died on June 28, 2022, at Riverside Specialty Hospital. He was born in Harlan, KY on July 30, 1950, to Edward and Wilma Goodwin. He grew up in Hampton, VA, and graduated from Bethel High School in 1970.

Phil served as a volunteer firefighter at Northampton Volunteer Fire Department during and after high school. After high school, he was hired onto the Newport News Fire Department where he served for 30 years as a firefighter/paramedic culminating in his career as a Master Firefighter. Phil spent time during and after his career volunteering with the Isle of Wight Volunteer Rescue Squad, where he was a Life Member. He also served as a Magistrate for the State of Virginia before retiring a second time.

Phil was a dedicated member of the Elks Lodge #366, served as a Past Exalted Ruler and was named the Elk of the Year in 2021. He was also a member of the Smithfield Masonic Lodge #18.   Most of all, he loved spending time with his family and friends.

Phil was preceded in death by his parents, and his sister, Cheryl Romanus (Goodwin). He is survived by his wife Betty Jean Goodwin (Saddler); two children, Maria and Craig Goodwin (Jennifer); two stepsons, Joseph and Randy Sullivan; and three grandchildren, Savery, Makenzie, and Addison.

A memorial service, with full firefighter honors, will be held at Peninsula Funeral Home on Wednesday, July 6, 2022 at 6:00 p.m., and interment at Meadowbrook Memorial Gardens, Suffolk on Friday, July 8, 2022 at 11:00 a.m.  Memorial donations may be made in Phil’s honor to National Fallen Firefighters Foundation, P.O. Drawer 498, Emmitsburg, MD 21727 (https://www.firehero.org/donate/).

Arrangements are under the care of Peninsula Funeral Home, 11144 Warwick Blvd., Newport News, VA 23601.

7 Comments

  1. Yvette Sabater-Lenk

    Rest In Peace our old friend. Your commitment to all causes you took on was an example of how it should be! Miss the fun times with you and mama Wilma!
    Yvette Sabater-Lenk and William Lenk

  2. Robert Elam

    So long for now my dear friend, prayers for the family. What a wonderful person too have had the privilege of knowing. You will be missed.

  3. Ronnie Jackson

    Betty l am so sorry to hear about the passing of phil.we grew up together and as you know we to worked together in the Newport news fire department.he was a good friend and will be missed.thinking of you during this time.

  4. Bill Tennis

    Phil loved his family, his voluntary efforts, his work, and the Masons, Elks and Moose. He contributed heavily to his community efforts and is already greatly missed.

    He is resting in peace.

  5. Patti starnes

    RIP! My daytime runners on the squad. Poor Phil had to deal with me! Ripping cords out bay twice! Good times is all I remember with Phil!

  6. Sarah Kiplinger

    I know this is late. Phil was a wonderful husband to my cousin Betty and our family truly appreciated him. I am sure he resides in heaven now. I think about him often.

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