Obituaries

Ralph Andrew Goff

Ralph Andrew Goff, 90, died at Circle of Life Hospice in Bentonville, Ark., on Sunday, April 8, 2018. He was born May 4, 1927 in Savanna, Okla., the youngest of eight children of James and Dora Goff. He was preceded in death by his parents, two brothers, and five sisters. Ralph was a World War II veteran. Following graduation from high school in Seminole, Okla., in 1944, he was drafted and served in the US Army with the 78th Infantry Division during the occupation of Berlin, Germany. Following his discharge in 1946, he graduated from Oklahoma Baptist University and Southwestern Baptist Seminary. While pursuing his education he was the pastor of several small churches, and the founding pastor of Ideal Street Baptist Church in Seminole. In 1954, he received his commission, returning to the Army as a chaplain. During his military career he served a tour in Okinawa and two tours in Germany. He was an Airborne Chaplain with the 82nd Airborne Division, the 503rd Airborne Battle Group, and the 101st Airborne Division. After a tour in Vietnam, he served as the post chaplain at Fort McClellan, Ala. After retiring from active duty, Ralph served on the pastoral staff of University Baptist Church in Fayetteville, Ark., and First Southern Baptist Church of Prescott, Ariz. He is survived by his wife, Joyce; five children, Deborah Wainscott of West Fork, Ark., Susan Gabbard of Rogers, Ark., Timothy Goff and wife Wendy of St. Louis, Mo., Matthew Goff and wife Amy of Springdale, Ark., and Philip Goff and wife Jan of Siloam Springs, Ark. He is also survived by 15 grandchildren and 12 great-grandchildren. Viewing and visitation will be held at Fellowship Bible Church, Rogers, Ark., on Tuesday evening from 6-8 p.m. A memorial service will be held at the same location on Wednesday, April 11, beginning at 11 a.m, under the direction of Pastor Robert Cupp. Burial will be at the Fayetteville National Cemetery at 2 p.m. In lieu of flowers, the family encourages donations to the Samaritan Community Center, 1211 W. Hudson Road, Rogers, Ark. 72756.

Published April 10, 2018

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