Robert William Goodman Jr.

Robert William Goodman, Jr., age 73, of Start, Louisiana passed away on Thursday, May 14, 2026 at his home. Robert was born in Meridian, MS on February 18, 1953 to the late Robert William Goodman and Barbara Newell Goodman. He graduated from Meridian High School in 1971, received a Bachelor of Music Degree from Mississippi College, Clinton, MS in 1975 and a Masters of Church Music from Southwestern Baptist Theological Seminary in Ft. Worth, TX in 1980.

While attending Mississippi College, he served in the capacity of Music and Youth Minister at New Hope Baptist Church in Meridian and First Baptist Church, Delhi, LA. It was in Delhi that he met and married Donna Sledge on May 26, 1974. They had two sons, Jonathan Robert and Justin Isaac Goodman.

In addition, Robert served as Worship Leader at First Baptist Church, Water Valley, MS, North Anglin Baptist Church, Cleburne, TX, First Baptist Church, Forney, TX, First Baptist Church, McComb, MS, Temple Baptist Church, Hattiesburg, MS, and Parkview Baptist Church, Baton Rouge, LA. He faithfully led adult, youth and children's choirs, for worship services. He presented Christmas programs that were anticipated by church members and the community for their excellence and message. Mission/choir trips were made to Scotland, England, France, Germany, The Netherlands and many, many areas within the United States. He personally went to Argentina to share the gospel.

On June 14, 1996, at the age of 43, Robert suffered a near fatal stroke which left him paralyzed on his left side along with several mental difficulties. Even in his state of handicap, he was an inspiration to all who met him. He was featured on several TV stations in Baton Rouge, the cover page of the Baton Rouge Advocate Religion section, and the International Baptist Publication called "Home Life".

He is survived by his wife, Donna, his son, Jonathan and wife Kaila of Morpeth, England; son, Justin and wife Jody, and their children, Adelaide, Atlas, and Aero of Wellington, CO; sister, Patricia Varnado of Canton, GA. He is preceded in death by his parents Billy and Bobbie Goodman; grandparents Sam and Myra Goodman and Carey and Mittie Lou Merrill and brother-in-law Lewis Varnado.

In lieu of flowers, please make donations to Start Baptist Church Building

Fund, 892 Charleston Drive, Rayville, LA 71269.

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