Eula Gray Fortner Goddard

Eula Gray Fortner Goddard - age 95 - passed away November 4th at Shannondale of Maryville. Eula Gray was born to Mary Pearl Edmondson and Elisha Newton Fortner in Blount County in 1923. She was a graduate of Maryville High School and earned a bachelors degree in Business Administration from the University of Tennessee. She worked several years as secretary to the Treasurer of UT, and was a life-long devoted member of First United Methodist Church. Known for her easy smile, warm hospitality, and genuine joy for life, Eula Gray possessed both a sense of style and of class - yet she was always up for a little revelry. She loved nothing more than telling a funny story about herself. Quite simply, she was both the glue and the spark for all of her extended family, as well as her many circles of friends. She was an avid bridge player and loved to travel. Eula Gray is survived by her 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. She is also survived by two great grandchildren, one niece and five nephews. Eula Gray was preceded in death by AB Goddard, her husband of 67 years - as well as her parents, her sister, Juanita Morton, and her grandson, Ben Harvey. The family expresses special appreciation to Dr. Mark Green and staff, the 2nd floor skilled nursing staff of Shannondale of Maryville as well as special caregiver Sharlene Duguid. The family will receive friends between 12:00 and 1:30 pm on Saturday, November 10th at First United Methodist Church. A funeral service will immediately follow at the church, Catherine Nance officiating. A private, family graveside service will follow the funeral at Grandview Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to either the First United Methodist Church (804 Montvale Station Road, Maryville, TN 37803) or Good Neighbors of Blount County (320 W Broadway Ave, Maryville, TN 37801).