Cherished memories of Charles ‘Chuck Goody’ Goodrum
From the Goodrum Family
Charles Leo Goodrum was born Wednesday, January 11, 1950 in Miami, FL to Demosthenes Leo and Ida Knowles Goodrum. The family relocated to Winter Haven, Fla., where he began his education in the schools of Polk County.
At an early age, Charles accepted Christ as his personal savior and became a member of Williams Temple C.M.E. Church in Winter Haven.
Throughout his life, Charles studied the teachings of God. He always stood ready to expound upon God’s grace, mercies and truths.
To strengthen his athletic techniques, Coach Goodrum moved Charles to Fort Lauderdale, Fla., to live with his aunt, Alzora Simmons, and be groomed by Coach Herman Pittman at Dillard High School where he completed his high school academics.
Before graduating in 1967, Charles, as the starting center, Joe “Lightening” Bynes, Glen Woodard and Perry Hinton helped lead the Dillard Panthers to the era-ending, State Basketball Championship for Black schools.
His focus, now changing to football, led Charles to Florida A. & M. University where he received his Bachelor’s degree in Sociology and met his sweetheart, Paula Roberts. While at FAMU, Charles was drafted into the National Football League with the Minnesota Vikings.
As player #68, Charles performed as an offensive tackle for the Vikings from 1972 to 1979. During his career, Charles continued his work for the Lord as an active member of the NFL Christian Players Association, which is an inter-denominational Christian Sports Ministry.
After his last active season, Charles retired with his family to Lakeland, FL. While there,
Charles worked closely with the local Lakeland hospital in public relations to help eliminate their shortage of nurses.
Throughout his life, Charles studied the teachings of God. He always stood ready to expound upon God’s grace, mercies and truths.
Charles entered the sunset of life at 11:41 a.m. on Saturday July 6, 2013 at Putnam Community Medical Center.
Charles was preceded in eternal rest by his parents, Demosthenes L. and Ida K. Goodrum, Sr., and brother, Demosthenes L. Goodrum, Jr.
Those Charles leaves to cherish the precious memories most devoted wife of 39 years, Paula R. Goodrum, Palatka; daughter, Arella (Markeith) Moore, Tallahassee; sons, Charles L. Goodrum and Christopher J. Goodrum, both of Palatka; grandchildren, Keith Moore, Aiyana Goodrum, Breanna Goodrum, Ashlyn Goodrum, Camora Goodrum; nephew, Demosthenes l. Goodrum, III, Bartow; loving aunts, Alzora Simmons, Plantation, Theresa Walker, New York, NY, Vivian Bender, Atlanta, GA; classmates, teammates, and schoolmates; and a host of
cousins and caring friends.
