The relationships he made with youth and youth workers extend to this day. He had a special gift for reaching young people in ways that directed their lives. Before, during, and after his official camp directorship, Bert was a sought-after speaker at conferences and camps for adults and for youth. The mechanics of running a camp were numerous and he managed not only to maintain and improve the physical camp, but always kept the spiritual element of camp life foremost in the minds and hearts of all involved, whether one was a worker or a camper. Though his responsibilities would differ greatly from those of a local minister, it was not a stretch for him to assume the position at Camp Sumatanga, where he served for 15 years.ĭuring these years, Bert touched hundreds of lives in many ways. Having grown up as son of the director of Camp Crosby, Bert had experienced camp life as a toddler, a camper, and an unpaid worker. In 1970, Bishop Kenneth Goodsen asked Bert to accept appointment as director of Camp Sumatanga. In 1975, he was awarded an honorary doctorate degree from Athens College. He was a member of the North Alabama Conference of the United Methodist Church for 60 years. Following the war and a brief time in business, he answered a call to the ministry in 1953. A highlight of his later years was his participation in Honor Flight to the World War II Memorial in Washington, D.C. Air Force as World War II began and served in Italy. Goodwin was a graduate of Hewitt-Trussville High School and was a student at Birmingham-Southern College when he enlisted in the U.S. In lieu of flowers, it is requested that memorials be made to Lester Memorial UMC (PO Box 626, Oneonta, AL 35121) or Camp Sumatanga (3616 Sumatanga Road, Gallant, AL 35972). Interment was at Taylor Memorial UMC on Sweeney Hollow Road in Chalkville. Visitation was in the sanctuary before the service from 12:30-2:00 p.m. Services were held April 26, 2013, at Lester Memorial United Methodist Church. Goodwin (Paloma), missionary to Brazil grandsons Justin Wesley Goodwin (Melissa) and Shaun Michael Goodwin great-grandchildren Haley Alexandra Goodwin, Justin Kyle Goodwin, Kayley Juliette Goodwin and many nieces and nephews. He is survived by his wife of 66 years, Ella Eppes Goodwin sister Sue Goodwin Meeks brother Rev. He was preceded in death by his parents his son David Michael Goodwin, and brother Rev. 16, 1924, in Chalkville, to Gladys and Eley Bert Goodwin Sr. The noted retired Methodist minister identified with people of all walks of life and was a friend and spiritual guide to countless persons. BERT GOODWIN, 88, died at his Oneonta home April 23, 2013.
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