Jack B., 76, died February 21, 2005 at Mercy Hospital. A loving husband, father, and grandfather, he was born July 24, 1928 in Oklahoma City. He was preceded in death by his parents, Arthur Ray and Jessie Gooding. He is survived by his wife of 54 years, Rowena (Arnold) Gooding, three children and their spouses, Ron Gooding and wife Karen of Dallas, TX, Jacklyn Hedrick and husband Wendell, Jana Curtis and husband John, all of Oklahoma City. He has seven grandchildren of whom he was very proud: Wendi and Jay Hedrick, Charlotte and Caroline Gooding, Karli, Adam and Olivia Curtis. He is also survived by one brother, Gene Gooding, of Gladstone, MO. Jack graduated from Capitol Hill High in 1947 and completed his bachelors degree at OCU in 1959. He served in the USAF from 1951-1953. In 2004, he retired from a long career as an Independent Insurance Agent where he was co-owner of Arnold Insurance Agency with his wife and in laws, Dorothy and Glen Hunter. For many years, he was actively involved in the OK Chorale Men's Chorus and he dearly loved singing barbershop quartet. In 1967, he was the championship bass in the quartet, The Rejects, who won the Southwestern District of SPEBSQSA. Jack was a faithful servant at Exchange Avenue Baptist Church for numerous years, where he was a cornerstone in the music ministry and was loved by many. He was a founding member of the quartet 4-In-Exchange. Through the years, he has blessed many people with his gifted voice. He loved and served our Lord Jesus Christ and now has a new home in heaven. He had a fabulous smile, a sweet and gentle spirit, and was a man that everyone liked. He enjoyed playing golf, manicuring his yard, and tinkering in the garage. Memorial services will be held at Exchange Avenue Baptist Church on Thursday, Feb. 24th at 2:00 p.m. In lieu of flowers donations can be made to the Music Ministry at EABC.
Published in The Oklahoman from Feb. 23 to Feb. 24, 2005