Virgil M. Goodwin

Virgil Milton Goodwin, 92, of Hot Springs, Ark., passed away Tuesday, May 30, 2017. He was born April 26, 1925, in Benton, Ark., and as a believer in Jesus Christ, is now a resident of Heaven!

Family was so important to Virgil. His grandchildren brought him great joy. As a member of over 60 years, he was a fixture at Grand Avenue United Methodist Church.

He was a member of the 82nd Airborne, 505th Parachute Infantry Regiment, serving in World War II at the Battle of the Bulge, in the Ardennes Forest at St. Vith. At the start of the Korean Conflict, Virgil re-enlisted and joined up with his old unit to serve his country. He fought in the battle of Chipyong-ni, “one of the greatest regimental defense actions in military history,” as a Browning Automatic Rifleman. Several weeks later, he was wounded by a grenade in battle, receiving the Purple Heart.

He worked for many years for Wonder Bread in Hot Springs, Little Rock Wholesale, then retired as a manager for the camera and jewelry department for K-Mart.

In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his wife, Ruby, and daughterin-law, Rhonda Scarborough Goodwin.

Cherishing his memory are his two sons, Randy Goodwin (Janet), of Little Rock, and Russell Goodwin, of Austin, Ark. He was grandpa to Tom, Kyle, Sterling and Sara; his three great-grandchildren; and a great-great-granddaughter.

The family wishes to thank the caregivers and staff at West Shores Senior Living, and Arkansas Hospice for their great care and love for Virgil.

A graveside service will be held at 10 a.m. Friday, June 2, at Crestview Cemetery with Pastor David Fleming officiating.

Memorials may be made to Grand Avenue United Methodist Church or to a favorite charity of your choice.

The online guestbook and obituary are available at http:// www.GrossFuneralHome.com.