Gene Goodner
Herbert Eugene "Gene" Goodner, 85, of Ooltewah, returned Home to his Savior and to his wife, Mary, on July 7, 2020.
Born on July 6, 1935 in East Lake to the late Effie and R.P. Gooder, Gene was an enterprising “youngest child” who took his first job at 10 years old as a paperboy.
In 1954 he began his career as an accountant at Siskin Steel. He cultivated an active civic life, working on behalf of the community via the East Brainerd Kiwanis Club for 23 years. His devotion to children shaped his church activities as well.
Gene was an active RA leader, coach, referee, and member of Ridgedale Baptist Church for 84 years. He had served as a deacon, chairman of the deacons, finance committee, Sunday School teacher for 31 years, and a member of the adult choir at Ridgedale.
In 1962 Gene began the career that would become his life’s calling, helping individuals and couples throughout his community create financially sustainable futures for their families through IDS and Master Financial Group. His success as a financial planner enabled him to nurture his growing family, and to create a loving home base for them all on the lake in Ooltewah.
The very heart of Gene’s long life, however, was his marriage to his loving wife Mary whom he met at church in 1951 and fell immediately in love. Together they built a life that included three children, five grandchildren, and five great-grandchildren. Mary, his wife of 61 years, preceded Gene in death.
Called “Poppie” by his family, Gene will be remembered as a boat ride captain, Bible teacher, mentor, and an avid hand-ball player.
Gene is survived by his daughter, Deborah (Steve) Rudd, Chattanooga; two sons, Michael (Theresa) Goodner, Knoxville, and Randy (Brook) Goodner, Chattanooga; five grandchildren, Christy (David) Harrell, Jeremy (Molly) Deitch, Nathan (Kati) Goodner, Jeff (Christine) Goodner, and Melanie Rudd; five great-grandchildren, Megan Harrell, Landon Deitch, Peyton Harrell, Colton Deitch, and Jackson Deitch; many nieces and nephews.
Funeral services will be held on Friday, July 10, at 2 p.m. in the funeral home chapel with Dr. Doug Plumlee officiating. Burial will follow at Hamilton Memorial Gardens.
Visit www.heritagechattanooga.com to share condolences, view the memorial tribute, and to view the services live-stream.
Memorial contributions may be made to the Ridgedale Baptist Church.
The family will receive friends Friday from 12-2 p.m. at Heritage Funeral Home, 7454 E. Brainerd Road.