Johnny Stephen Gooding, born September 5, 1939, entered into eternity on December 10, 2025. Johnny lived a full, hardworking, and wholehearted life; one marked by unwavering faith, deep devotion to his family, and a love that touched everyone he knew.
He is preceded in death by his father Charles Gooding; mother Ora Coffman Gooding; two sisters, Jimmie Tull and Mary Clevenger; three brothers, Orville Gooding, Charles “JR” Gooding, and Clifford Gooding; and his precious son Charles Stephen Gooding.
Johnny is survived by the true love of his life, Sue Gooding, who was not just his wife of 65 years, but the very center of his world. Their life together was his greatest blessing and greatest joy. Their marriage was a true partnership built on loyalty, laughter, and a quiet, steady love that anchored their entire family.
He is also survived by his sister Vera Willis of Bakersfield, CA; two daughters, Pamela Center (Brian Center of Fayetteville, AR) and Angela Carney (Steve Carney of Fayetteville, AR). Johnny was blessed with four grandchildren, Matthew Carney (Teighlor Carney of Farmington, AR), Nicole Ferguson (Bryan Ferguson of Sherwood, AR), Kendra Center (Kari Center of Camden, AR) and Brianna Murphree (Travis Murphree of Prairie Grove, AR). Johnny had 5 great-granddaughters, Emilia and Kamryn Carney, Adelyn Ferguson, Whitley Jo Center, and Rylee Sue Murphree. His grandchildren brought him immeasurable pride and purpose, as well as many nieces and nephews.
Everything Johnny did in life, he did for his family. They were his driving force. Whether it was a ballgame, a school event, a recital, or even the smallest family moment, Johnny never missed a single opportunity to be there. His presence was steady, joyful and unconditional. The kind of love that shapes generations.
Johnny was a man of simple joys. He loved crappie fishing. He could run a backhoe better than most can drive a car and proudly joked that he had “driven farther backwards than you have forwards”. His hands were strong, his humor unforgettable, and his heart of gold was felt by all who had the privilege of knowing him.
He leaves behind a legacy of love, laughter and stories that will be shared for generations to come. Though he will be deeply missed, the memories he created and the love he gave will live on in the family he cherished so dearly.
The family will receive friends from 2-4 PM Sunday, December 14, 2025 at Beard’s Funeral Chapel.
Funeral services will be 10:00 AM Monday, December 15, 2025 at Ridgeview Baptist Church in Fayetteville with Pastor Eric Howerton officiating. Interment will follow in Fairview Memorial Gardens Cemetery.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Katherine’s Place, 4405 W Persimmon St, Fayetteville, AR 72704 or Willard Walker Hospice Home, 325 E Longview St, Fayetteville, AR 72703.
Sorry for your loss. So deeply saddened. He touched more lives than you guys will ever know. He was definetly one of the greats.
He was a great uncle to have. He give me my first paying job at 13 raking yards and laying sod in customers yards during the out of school summer months. I thought I was rich and I was for knowing him. We had a lot of fun teaming up to play horse shoes at 4th of July family parties. We useually won lol. He will be missed.
Sorry for your loss
Uncle Johnny, you were a person who had been in all of your nieces and nephews lives. I personally do not have any memories where you were not there celebrating with the family. Our cookouts were always amazing and filled with so much fun. Thank you for all the memories!
Uncle Johnny, you were a person who had been in all of your nieces and nephews lives. I personally do not have any memories where you were not there celebrating with the family. Our cookouts were always amazing and filled with so much fun. You will be missed!!
Angela and Pam, I am so sorry for your loss. Your dad (and mom too) made an impact on so many people and will always be remembered for their love for their family.