Rev. Dr. Franklin C.L. Goodwin

The Rev. Dr. Franklin C.L. Goodwin, 75, of Camby, Indiana, passed away on Saturday, Jan. 14, 2023, at The Waters in Martinsville, Indiana.

Frank was born on May 9, 1947, in Miami, Florida, to the late Carl Goodwin and Marie Pell. Frank grew up in Tennessee, where he served in the Tennessee National Guard and later earned a doctorate in theology from the Gospel School of the Bible. He led a life of faith and service as a minister for over 51 years. He started pastoring at Gretna First Baptist in Nebraska; then to Berean Baptist in Old Fort; New Life Baptist in Franklin, Indiana; Friendswood Baptist in Camby, Indiana; Way of the Cross Baptist in Camby, Indiana; and most recently was a member of the Holy Trinity Reformed Church in Camby, Indiana.

He married the love of his life, Brenda Fay (Hayes) Goodwin, on July 31, 1968, and they were married for over 54 years. In his spare time, he enjoyed woodworking, especially building furniture and little toys for children. He will be remembered as a good and faithful servant, who was quick to make friends by using his quick wit along with a dry sense of humor, often used during stressful times to put others at ease.

He is survived by his wife of 54 years, Brenda Fay (Hayes) Goodwin; daughter, Carman (Mike) Bishop; siblings, Tom Goodwin, Linda Smith, Brenda Hughes and Carlene Dodson; half-sisters, Clara Lee Wolfe, Elsie Bramlett and Elizabeth Thurman; grandchildren, Nathan Smallwood, Mark Smallwood, Elizabeth Smallwood, Matthew Smallwood and James Smallwood; and great-grandchildren, Paul William Smallwood, Isabelle Smallwood, Joseph Smallwood, Madeline Smallwood, Maisie Smallwood and one more on the way, Rachel Marie Smallwood.

Family and friends will gather to celebrate Frank’s life from 4 to 6 p.m. on Tuesday, Jan. 17, 2023, at Carlisle Branson Funeral Service & Crematory, Mooresville, Indiana with services starting at 6 p.m. at the funeral home with Pastor James Brown Jr. officiating.

Graveside services will be held at 2 p.m. on Thursday in Sunset Memorial Cemetery in Cleveland, officiated by his good friend, Pastor A.C. Cooper, with whom he served at New Salem Baptist Church.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions are to be made in Frank’s memory to the Clarity Pregnancy Services (formerly CareNet), 225 E. High St., Mooresville, IN 46158, https://claritycares.org/.

You can share your condolences and memories with the Goodwin family at www.jimrushfuneralhomes.com.