John L. Gooch, Sr.

John L. Gooch, Sr., passed away on November 6, 2023 after a brief illness. He was a beloved and devoted husband, father, grandfather and great-grandfather who loved the Lord and his Savior, Jesus Christ. He was a hard working man that always provided for his family.

He married the love of his life, Donna, on December 7, 1963. He has missed her terribly since her death and is now reunited with her. In his words, he is now the happiest man in the universe.

He and Donna retired to South Carolina in 1997 after working for the Sprint Telephone Company in Ohio.

John was born on the family farm near Croton, OH on July 25, 1935. He was the son of the late Robert Reese and Ruby Rose Russell Gooch. He attended Hartford School and graduated in 1953. After graduation, he joined the US Air Force, served in Korea and was awarded the Purple Heart. John was a 32nd degree Mason and Shriner for 50 years. He attended Fellowship Baptist Church in Lexington, SC where he made many friends that he considered his church family.

John is survived by his children, John Gooch, Jr. (Dee), Kelly Berry, Darla Snyder (Eric), Robin Gooch, Eric Gooch (Kerry); grandchildren, Chris, Scott, Jeremiah, Allen, Matt, Mallory, Brittany, Dalton, Zach, Jordan; several great-grandchildren; brother-in-law, J.N. Brown (Kathy); several nieces and nephews; special nieces, Judy McCombs, Kay Hylton Christensen (Steve) that lovingly cared for him.

In addition to his beloved wife Donna, he is predeceased by his sons, Randy “Pete” Gooch and Mike Myer; grandsons, David Myer and E.J. Snyder; sister, Mary Searles; and brothers, Russell, Robert and David.

A memorial service will be held 2:00pm, Saturday, November 11, 2023 at Fellowship Baptist Church with visitation 1 hour prior to the service.

Barr-Price Funeral Home, Lexington Chapel, is assisting the family.

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