Pastored the church at Silver Shade south of Ava Rev. George C. Goff, 82, Rogersville, passed away at 12:48 p.m., Tuesday, August 4, 2009 in St. John’s Regional Health Care Center.
He was born Dec. 10, 1926, in Omaha, Neb., the son of the late Harry A. and Lelia E. (Hayes) Goff. He was united in marriage on April 10, 1941 to Mary Lou Spohn. She preceded him in death in 1992. Following Mary Lou’s death he was united in marriage to Lydia M. Osborn on July 13, 1993. He was also preceded in death by a son, Jerry; a grandson, Quinton and a granddaughter, Shana.
God came into George’s life in 1951, and he was called to preach. He took up painting and papering to support his family. He pastored for over 45 years in Missouri, Kansas, Nebraska, California, South Dakota, Colorado and had to retire while in Tennessee.
In 1953 he moved his family to Mt. Zion Bible School near Ava so his children could get Christian schooling. He pastored the church at Silver Shade south of Ava where his pay was $3.50 a week.
He is survived by his wife Lydia; two sons, David Goff and wife Marilyn, Mansfield, and Mike Goff and wife Jeannette, Cheyenne, Wyo.; two daughters, Diane Simmons and husband Ronnie, Chandler, Ariz., and Debbie Cardin and husband Bryan, Baton Rouge, La.; a brother, a sister, 14 grandchildren, 23 great-grandchildren, one great-great-grandchild and many other relatives and friends.
Funeral services were held at 10 a.m., Friday, Aug. 7, in J.D. Lee and Sons Funeral Home. Burial followed in Mount Zion Cemetery, near Ava.
The family requests memorial donations to the Kinser Chapel Building Fund, 3877 S. State Hwy. J, Springfield, 65809.
Online condolences and guest book signing may also be made at www.jdleeandsons.com.
