Arthur Boyd "Ab" Goddard

Arthur Boyd AB Goddard - age 92 - passed away Monday, June 25th at Shannondale of Maryville. AB was born to Alice Belle Pickens and Homer Andrew Goddard in Maryville in 1925. He was a graduate of Maryville High School and received both his bachelor and law degrees from the University of Tennessee where he was a member of the Law Review. He served four years in the Navy during WWII and practiced law for 62 years at Goddard and Gamble. AB was a life-long devoted member of First United Methodist Church. AB served both his community and his church in many capacities throughout his life. He was most honored to have served as Chairman of Board of the Bank of Maryville, Chairman of the Board of Professional Responsibility of the Supreme Court of Tennessee, attorney for Blount Memorial Hospital for many decades, Vice-Chairman of the Board of Trustees of the Holston Conference Colleges, Chairman of Blount County Republican Party, and chair of numerous committees for First Methodist Church. Known for his quick wit, his love of poetry, his story telling and his generosity, AB shared these qualities most readily with those he loved best - his family and many friends. He is survived by his wife of 67 years, Eula Gray Fortner Goddard. Other survivors include his son Rob Goddard (Fran) of Maryville, daughter Melissa Bernhardt (Rick) of Atlanta, grandchildren Richmond Bernhardt (Erin), Andrew Bernhardt (Sara) all of Atlanta, and Rachel Harvey (Josh Toney) of Laguana Beach, CA. He is also survived by two great grandchildren, one niece and five nephews. AB was preceded in death by his parents, his brother, Houston Goddard, and his grandson, Ben Harvey. The family expresses special appreciation to Dr. Mark Green and staff, the entire staff of Shannondale of Maryville as well as special caregivers, Sharlene Duguid, and Terri Jenkins. A private, family graveside service will take place at Grandview Cemetery. A memorial service will be held on Monday, July 2nd at 4:00 pm First United Methodist Church, Catherine Nance officiating. Following the service, the family will receive friends and celebrate ABs life with a reception in the Fellowship Hall. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to either the First United Methodist Church (804 Montvale Station Road, Maryville, TN 37803) or the Blount Memorial Hospital Foundation (907 E. Lamar Alexander Pkwy, Maryville, TN 37804).