Isaac Goodman

ISAAC SAMUEL GOODMAN, beloved husband, father, grandfather, brother, friend, and the foundation of our family tree peacefully transitioned on March 17, 2025. A man of unwavering faith, boundless love, and deep devotion to his family, Isaac left an indelible mark on all who knew him.

EARLY LIFE

Isaac was born on February 28, 1947, in Isle of Wight County in Windsor, Virginia, to William Henry Goodman and Annie Lee Taylor. The second born of nine children—William Henry, Harvey, Aaron, Joyce (Carnell), Lowell (Joy), Wilhelmina (Jessie), John, and Mary—he grew up on his family’s farm, tending to hogs, cows and peanuts. Even as a boy, Isaac carried himself with quiet strength and responsibility, earning the nickname “Skipper” for the role he took in the family, particularly after his father’s passing.

His love for the Lord was evident from an early age. He taught Sunday School, served as Secretary of Sunday School at Morning Star Baptist Church, and led their choir with a strong and steady voice. Isaac also worked as a paperboy in his youth, developing the discipline and work ethic that would define him for the rest of his life.

With his honey-colored skin, hazel eyes, and athletic build, Isaac was strikingly handsome, but it was his heart that made him truly unforgettable. He had a deep love for his family, his faith, and simple pleasures—like eating a biscuit with molasses and a slice of ham. His favorite prayer was The Lord’s Prayer, always followed by a heartfelt group hug.

INTERESTS

Isaac was a true sports fan, but football held a special place in his heart—especially his Dallas Cowboys. With several siblings who cheer for Washington, he enjoyed a friendly rivalry, exchanging good-natured insults during every Dallas-Washington game. He’d always say, “Get your crying towel out,” in anticipation of a Cowboys win.

His love for adventure and family was evident in the many road trips he took around the country. He especially loved amusement parks and roller coasters, visiting Sesame Place, Hershey Park, Six Flags, and Kings Dominion, but Busch Gardens held the most cherished memories, where he and his family spent countless joyful summer days.

Isaac had a lifelong love for cars, particularly his navy-blue van, “Thunder,” and his Dodge Ram trucks. He also had a special affection for his Buick Skylark, “The Golden Hawk”. He took immense pride in keeping his yard immaculate, riding his mower with precision, not only for his own home but for neighbors’ friends’, and family. He had a deep appreciation for music, favoring jazz and country, and was known for his powerful speaking voice that captivated any audience. But above all, he loved good food—especially watermelon and crabs.

CAREER & ACHIEVEMENTS

Isaac dedicated decades of civil service to the Norfolk Naval Shipyard, retiring after a long and honorable career. Prior to the shipyard, he was drafted into the Army in 1967 and served overseas in Turkey during the Vietnam War, demonstrating the same discipline and integrity that he would later instill in his daughters and grandchildren. 

One of his proudest accomplishments was pulling a replica of a naval battleship, the Alabama, in countless parades on behalf of the Shipyard, an honor for which he received a special award. A lifelong learner, he graduated from Georgie Tyler High School, where he was the score keeper for the boys’ basketball team, and attended St. Paul College and Norfolk State University, always striving for excellence in everything he pursued. 

Isaac was a member of the Prince Hall Masonic family, reaching the 32nd° as a member of the Truxton-Doric-Ionic Lodge #91, in Portsmouth, Virginia.

FAMILY

Isaac’s greatest devotion was to his family. From the time he was a boy, he embraced the role of protector, caring for his siblings with an unbreakable bond that lasted a lifetime. When he started his own family with his beloved wife, Shirley Goodman, his love only grew deeper. Their children, Tonya (Eddie), Senitria, and Ikena (Derek), were his pride and joy. He never hesitated to hit the highway to visit his children, no matter the distance—from Baltimore to the mountains of Southwest Virginia. 

Isaac was fiercely protective of “his girls,” his love and support even extending to their closest friends. He was well known for his uncanny ability to find anyone in a crowd. Friends and family often joked about how he could get anywhere within the Tidewater area in just “2.5 seconds,” especially if it was to help or rescue a daughter. For them, and all he cared for, he always showed up—whenever and wherever he was needed.

Isaac adored his grandchildren. He poured love into them as often as he could, spending adventure-filled summers with Jaden, playing dolls with and picking Gia up from school, dancing with Nova, and lighting up at the sight of his newest granddaughter, Stori. His love extended even to the family’s beloved dogs—Poochie, Troop, Shadow, Big Poppa, Riley, Max, and Ghost—who always gravitated towards him.

The love and joy Isaac derived from his family was manifested both in his oft-repeated one-liners and treasured family traditions. He had expressions that were uniquely his. Living in a house full of daughters, he would always call out, “Are you decent?” before entering a room—a simple phrase that became a common family saying. To Isaac, a true friend was an “Ace Boon Coon,” a term he used with warmth and affection. When parting ways, he would remind us to “Stay cool, be cool,” a phrase that still echoes in our hearts. And if you were traveling the highways and byways, you could expect frequent calls from him, checking in with his signature road-trip question: “How you riding?!”—his way of making sure you were safe and cared for, no matter how far you were from home.

But perhaps the most cherished tradition he built was the Annual Goodman Family Christmas Dinner, which he hosted at his home year after year for decades. With Isaac, all were welcome, and all felt the warmth of his love. As the Goodman family tree expanded, this tradition, and Isaac’s love for family, became deeply rooted in the hearts and minds of a new generation. 

Isaac was preceded in death by his father, mother, brothers William, Harvey, and Aaron, and sisters-in-law Darniece and Deborah Goodman. In addition to his wife, daughters, grandchildren and siblings, he leaves behind a host of nieces and nephews that also cherished their “Uncle Ike.”

LEGACY

Isaac established within each of us values, memories, and traditions that will never fade. Like the roots and trunk of the strongest tree, they will continue to support and guide us, even now when his hands cannot. His strength, his faith, his humor, and his boundless love will live on in his family and the many lives he touched. His legacy is a family tree that is big and gnarly, beautiful, bountiful and capable to withstand and thrive even during this toughest storm.