John Goolsby Jr.

John Goolsby, Jr.

 “Truly I tell you, whatever you did for one of the least of these brothers and sisters of mine, you did for me.” Matthew 25:40

A Time to be Born

 John Goolsby, Jr. 86, gracefully slipped away to be with the Lord, in the afternoon of Wednesday, March 2, 2022.

John Goolsby, Jr. was born December 15, 1935, to the late John Goolsby, Sr. and Halloween Weaver in Inverness, Florida where he resided his entire life. He was predeceased in death by his two sisters Beatrice and Janet, and one brother Otis.

A Time to Learn

John received his formal education with Citrus County Public Schools in Inverness, Florida, where he attended Booker T. Washington High School (BTW). While attending BTW, he led the varsity football team as quarterback and was known to be a great dancer.

John’s family was the center of his joy. He left no stone unturn when ensuring their health and well-being was taken care of.  True dedication to his family does not begin to tell his story. He was just a teenager when he entered his principal’s office to explain his need to leave school to work and support his mother and siblings.  

A Time to Work

John began work as a teenager completing odd jobs such as lawn care, general labor and as he would say, “a hustle”. In 1969, he began serving as custodian, mentor, and disciplinarian, at Inverness Primary School. He retired in 1998 after 29 years of service. 

John always had an eye for those who were “the least of these”. Whatever he did to bless them, he did it in secret. As John would say, “Its none of your business”. Although he had retired from the school system, he would still mow lawns and cut hair. He was also known for his famous barbeque. He would tell you, it was all in his own “special base”, a recipe he kept secret for many years. People would come from everywhere to get a taste of John’s delicious barbeque.

John’s leadership ability and knowledge of the game, contributed to his success as a baseball coach. He led his team “Bank of Inverness” to many wins and several championships. Coach Goolsby preached “hard work and good sportsmanship”.

John had a special gift of craftsmanship and carpentry. He would create keychains by carving baseball bats out of wood. He also helped with building his own home where his resided for over 60 years. John was honored with the “Humanitarian of the Year” award in 2018 by Inverness Black History Club, for his years of leadership and service in the community.

A Time to Serve

He accepted Christ as his Savior at an early age at the St. James AME Church. In later years, he became a member of Greater Mt. Carmel Baptist Church in May 1967, where he served faithfully on the Combined Usher Board and the Male Chorus until 2008 when he suffered a stroke.  

A Time to Love

John met and married the love of his life of 65 years, Barbara Jean Williams, of Inverness, Florida. Together, they bore and raised three children, Lance, Cassandra, and Craig, who were the center of their lives. He had a special bond with all his children. 

John believed in the unity and sanctity of family. He understood the value of sharing wisdom. His demonstration of his love is his legacy. In addition, his wit and keen sense of humor would fill any space he occupied with lots of laughter.  He valued his family’s presence, ensuring he attended the many family reunions, and friends’ gatherings. He would make the road trips, but if getting there by airplane, his response would be, “Oh, NO!”

John held special connections with so many, they lovingly gave him special names: “Uncle Son”, “Kite”, “Son Brown”, “Tender Foot”, “Coffee Man”, “Professor”, and “Coach”. He was truly adored!

John was predeceased by his mother-in-law Lydia Williams, and grandson, Lance T. Goolsby, Jr.

John Goolsby, Jr. leaves to cherish his memory: His wife Barbara Jean Goolsby; Children: Lance T. Goolsby, Sr. (Mildred) of Portsmouth, Virginia; Cassandra Wims (James) of Beverly Hills, Florida; Craig Goolsby (Kayla) of Inverness, Florida: Sisters-in-Laws: Maxine Weaver and Geri Woolfolk: 16 grandchildren; 18 great grandchildren, and a host of nieces, nephews, cousins and friends. Special acknowledgement: Johnny Lee “Rabbston” Presley (Renarder); Herbert “Boss Man” Key and the Key Family and his very special niece: Connie “C” Williams (Larry).

Flowers- May be Received at The J.T. Campbell Funeral Home on Friday March 11, from 9am to 3pm.

Viewing- will be held Friday March 11, at The Greater Mt. Caramel Missionary Baptist Church Inverness Fl from 5:30 pm to 7pm

Celebration of Life - Will be held at The New Church Without Walls 300 South Kensington Avenue Lecanto Fl. Saturday March 12, at 11:30 am

Host Pastor- Bishop Dr. Douglas Alexander

Officiant- Rev Lee A. Inmon

Eulogist - Rev Earnest Ross

Final Resting Place - Pine Hills Cemetery

All Arrangements Entrusted to J.T. Campbell Funeral Home and Cremation Services

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