Biography: Mr. Frederick I. Goff, age 92, of Little Rock, died June 2, 2014 in Katy, Texas. He was born on May 21, 1922 in Arkansas Post, Arkansas to the late Edna L. Quandt and Samuel D. Goff. His mother died when he was two years old and he was raised by her sister, Rosa Place, along with 9 brothers and 4 sisters in Gillett, Arkansas. He served in World War II as a navy diver and after the war he attended Memphis State and the College of the Ozarks. He was a member of Trinity United Methodist Church and active in the Shepherd Center. He was preceded in death by his wife of 49 years, Florida Goff, his step-son Don W. Schmidt, and 9 brothers and 4 sisters from Gillett. He is survived by his sons Larry Goff(Patsy) of Katy, Texas and Gary Goff of Pangburn, Arkansas and his daughter-in-law, Pat Schmidt of Richmond, Virginia, his grandchildren, Sandy Scialdone (Greg) of Raleigh, NC, Don Schmidt, Jr. (Caroline) of Atlanta, GA, Scott Ferguson (Melody) of Atlanta and Tammy (Scott) Callahan of Katy, Texas. Mr. Goff is also survived by 12 great grandchildren and many other nieces and nephews in the Gillett, AR and Memphis, TN areas. A graveside memorial service will be held at Arkansas State Veteran's Cemetery, North Little Rock, Arkansas on Friday, June 13, 2014 at 11:00 a.m., officiated by Reverend Betsy Singleton Snyder. In lieu of flowers, please make memorials to Gillett United Methodist Church, PO Box 88, Gillett, Arkansas, 72055. Arrangements by Ruebel Funeral Home, www.ruebelfuneralhome.com.
Reflecting on a father's life especially those of "The Greatest Generation" is surreal. I only met your dad once, but as I grasped his firm hand and looked into his weathered face,few words were spoken, yet you immediately knew he was a man who lived simply and taught by example; faced life with ethical diligence and faithfully lived for family. I think surviving The Great Depression and WWII shaped much of what we take for granted now; but those who lived it as your dad, often knew the true meaning of the phrase, " Blessed to be here." Your dad took what life had to give and accepted it with dignity and humor...beleiving the glass is always half full and that God is good.
A simply hand shake says so much yet fleeting, but then, as is life. What a treasure he was...is, and I know he will be sorely missed.
I am so very sorry for your loss.
Sincerely,
Bobby Gosschalk