Billy Charles Goodrich

Died: Feb. 26, 2013

CLINTON -- Billy Charles Goodrich, of Clinton, passed away Tuesday at his home, following a courageous battle with brain cancer incurred as a result of exposures he received while serving in the Gulf War.

He was born Dec. 27, 1963, in Greeneville.

Billy graduated from Boling High School in Boling, Texas.

He served in the U.S. Army with the 82nd Airborne, achieving the rank of sergeant and receiving numerous commendations during his service.

Billy received his Bachelor of Science and Master of Science degrees in Wildlife and Fisheries Science at the University of Tennessee, Knoxville.

He loved working in fisheries science.

Billy enjoyed both his work here in Tennessee, and his work in Oregon for the Confederated Tribes of the Umatilla Indian Reservation, where he helped reintroduce salmon to their original spawning areas.

He was a loving and dedicated father and uncle. He enjoyed volunteering his time with Cub Scouts, 4-H and FFA Programs, AYSO, and Kids in the Creek to help young people have opportunities to achieve their individual goals.

Billy loved music (especially bluegrass and country) and in his younger days enjoyed working at radio stations and singing in country bands around Texas.

He was an avid fisherman and especially loved bass fishing.

Billy is survived by his wife: Jennifer Waddell Goodrich; his children: Laura and Wyatt Goodrich; mother: Carolyn (Morrison Goodrich) Healey; beloved nieces: Rubie and Katee Knighton; beloved nephews: James and John Lutz; father-in-law and mother-in-law: John and Becky Waddell; sisters-in-law: Heather and Todd Lutz and Anne Knighton; his brothers in the Bravo Company 307th Engineer Battalion of the 82nd Airborne Division; and several aunts and cousins.

The family will receive friends from 1-3 p.m. Saturday at Holley Gamble Funeral Home, 621 S. Charles Seivers Blvd., Clinton, with a celebration of life service that will include full military honors officiated by Tyler Masters.

In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation in his honor to the favorite youth organization of the donor's choice, to the Wounded Warriors Program, or to the Disabled American Veterans.

Holleygamblefh.com.