Ralph Clifford "Cliff" Goodlet, Jr.
Ralph Clifford "Cliff" Goodlet, Jr., 75, of Rock Springs, Georgia, was a man of deep faith and transitioned to an eternal life free of illness and pain on August 12, 2025.
Preceding Cliff in death were his parents, Ralph and Bettie Goodlet and his sister, Pamela Goodlet Davis.
Surviving him are his devoted wife, Patsy Cates Goodlet, his son, Tripp Goodlet, Tripp’s wife, Missy Smith Goodlet, their much loved son Cal, and many loving cousins. When Cliff became a grandfather, he chose the nickname C-Dog.
Cliff attended McCallie school through the 10th grade and graduated from Chattanooga City High School in 1968, then went to TN Wesleyan College where he met Poddy, the love of his life. Cliff made close friends through Sigma Phi Epsilon Fraternity at Tennessee Wesleyan College. Those friendships continued throughout his lifetime. Cliff majored in Business and Secondary Education but upon graduation, went to work with his father and uncle at Goodlet’s Supermarket on Rossville Boulevard and other locations. Cliff developed an interest in the then newly-created device, the computer. He studied computers and became so well versed that he started teaching computer classes at Chattanooga State Community College. He generously helped family decide which television or computer to buy, becoming the family’s technological guru!
A fitness enthusiast, Cliff exercised a lot, especially riding his bicycle. He, his cousin Jack, and friends took extended bike rides to the Outer Banks of North Carolina, Key West, and many other locations. Wives would drive the support vehicle with parts and luggage then all would meet up at the hotel in the next town and enjoy supper before crashing to rest for the next day’s ride. When electric bicycles became available, Cliff and Jack upgraded but riding was still a challenge.
He was an avid short wave radio listener and listened to broadcasts all over the world.
Cliff was fond of Florida and loved to walk the sandy beaches, wade in the salt water, and he loved to ride his sea-doos. This past July 4th week, he, his immediate family, and various extended family members all vacationed in Florida and enjoyed it immensely.
Cliff was a Baptist his entire life, attending the Ridgedale Baptist Church, and teaching the Sunday school class “The Way Too Class”.
Family takes comfort in knowing Cliff has transitioned to an eternal life.
Funeral services will be at 3 p.m. on Sunday in the funeral home chapel with Dr. Doug Plumlee, Mr. William Kilbride, and Jim Goodlet speaking. Interment will follow at Peavine Baptist Church Cemetery.
In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to Ridgedale Baptist Church Building Fund or the American Cancer Association.
Family will receive friends from 2-8 p.m. on Saturday at Heritage Funeral Home & Crematory, Battlefield Parkway.