Charlie Goodman, of Carrollton, went to be with the Lord on Thursday morning, March 31, 2016, at 71 years old. He was born on Nov. 4, 1944, to the late Sarah Hawk Goodman and the late Chester Goodman as a native of Suffolk. He graduated from East Suffolk High School and went on to join the United States Air Force, where he served as a security police officer.

Charlie begin his professional career in 1968 with the Newport News Shipbuilding in Newport News, in what would become a distinguished 32-year career. During his career, Charlie made several advances, ultimately becoming a senior radiological control monitor. Charlie was regarded by many of his colleagues as being one of the most intelligent men they had worked alongside. During his career, Charlie trained and mentored many radiological control technicians. He was a subject matter expert and was known for his experience and wealth of knowledge of the projects, as well as the regulations and procedures. Charlie retired from the Newport News Shipbuilding in 2000.

Charlie strongly believed in family. His love for his family was expressed through his continuous selfless support. Charlie’s acts of love for his family and his sacrifice for his family spoke louder than any words he could speak. Charlie was a lifetime learner and spent countless hours researching theology, medicine, science, math and world history. On any given day, you could walk in his house and find Charlie reading a book about the outer limits of space.

Charlie was predeceased by his parents, brother Chester Goodman Jr., sisters Margaret Young and Debra Benton. He is survived by his loving wife of 42 years, Drucilla Goodman; son, LeRone Goodman; son, Gary Goodman (Jamila); granddaughter, Seira Goodman (Carmen); granddaughter, Celina Goodman (Carmen); grandson, Nicholas Goodman (Gary); sister Shirley Jones (Clifton); sister, Mary Goodman; brother, Vernon Goodman (Yvonne); sister, Brenda Jones (Rallie); nephews, George Young, Clifton Jones Jr., Terrance Jones, Darryl Jones, Karl Jones, Reggie Goodman, Gregory Goodman, Michael Goodman, Vernon Goodman Jr., Rodney Goodman; nieces, Loretta Young, Gwendolyn Williams, Karla Jones, Ebony Benton, Tonya Jones, Tamika Jones Bolden, Angela Mjett; and numerous great-nieces, great-nephews and cousins.

A celebration of life will be held on Saturday, April 9, 2016,from 1 to 2:30 p.m. Services will be held at Pleasant Union Baptist Church, 215 Webb St., Suffolk. Funeral arrangements (flowers and memorials) are in the care of Graves Funeral Home, 1631 Church St., Norfolk, VA 23504.