Ray Goodman

Ray C Goodman of Concord, passed away at the age of 90 on October 17, 2023, surrounded by his family at home. Ray had been in declining health for several months

Ray was born May 19, 1933 in Cabarrus County to Gilbert Brantley “Jack” Goodman & Bertie Ann Osborne Goodman.
In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his siblings, Junior Lee Goodman, James Brantley “Jim” Goodman, Fred Goodman & Peggy Pauline Goodman Carpenter, and a grandson Alex Ray Goodman.

The family will receive friends at Harvest Community Church on Friday, October 20, 2023 with visitation from 11:00 am-12:45 pm then service afterwards at 1:00 pm. His final resting place will be in Carolina Memorial Park in the Plaza mausoleum. Pastors Matt Turbetsky & Frank Cantadore will conduct the services.

Ray is survived by his wife, Doris Ann Gray Goodman. They would have celebrated 69 years of marriage on November 6, 2023. He is also survived by his daughter who was the apple of his eye, Deborah Ann Goodman Overstreet (James) and son, Gerald Ray Goodman (Diane); grandsons, Andrew Overstreet (Sarah), Tyler Overstreet (Morgan) & Philip Goodman; great grandsons, Archer James Overstreet & Ryatt River Overstreet. Ray recently welcomed his first granddaughter, Kiara Elizabeth Overstreet. He had a special little fur baby, Candy. Also surviving are his siblings, Jerry Goodman (Lynette), Robert Goodman, and Sarah Freeman (Tommy).

Ray attended Winecoff School where he only went through the sixth grade. At that time, he felt he had better things to do in life. At 17, he got his mother to vouch for him so he could join the United States Army. Ray served in the Korean Conflict from 1951-1954 in Company C 317th. He was awarded the Occupational Medal (Germany) & the National Defense Service Medal.

He was proud of serving his country & also a proud Trump supporter. Once he returned home to Concord, he met the love of his life, Doris Ann Gray. They were married 11-06-1954.

After working in multiple occupations, he began driving a truck for Pilot Freight Carriers in Richmond, VA. He was awarded multiple safe driver awards during these years. Then he moved his family back to Concord and began his own business. He purchased a used tractor trailer and began his own company leasing to different businesses. By the mid 1970’s he was able to purchase more trucks & trailers. He decided to hire others to drive his rigs for him for a few years. By age 55, he was able to sell his business and enjoy life off of the road.

Ray enjoyed life to the fullest in his 90 years. There weren’t many things that he left undone. He was a devoted husband, father, grandfather & great grandfather, especially in his later years. He loved watching Dale Earnhardt race on the weekends & endured the much milder races after #3 passed away. He loved listening to his country music & firing up the grill on the weekends while he still was able. Having a table full of his family on those nights was definitely a joy.

The family would like to extend a depth of gratitude to the Atrium Home Care team & the Palliative Care ladies. The care givers from Home Instead, Karen Ware & Keith Mayes, you were truly sent from above. You care so deeply. Lastly, Hospice Care of Cabarrus, Amanda Beam & mostly Sharon Graves, thank you just doesn’t seem enough for all you did for the Goodman family. A gratitude of thanks to the VA for the services rendered during this time.

In lieu of flowers, please send donations to Hospice and Palliative Care of Cabarrus County, 5003 Hospice Lane, Kannapolis, NC 28081 or Harvest Community Church, 4284 Orphanage Road, Concord, NC 28027.