George Royden Goodson Jr., a resident of Newport News passed away peacefully on Monday, February 13, 2023 at the age of 94. He was born in Hilton Village and made his home in Newport News his entire life.

He graduated from Virginia Polytechnic Institute in 1949 and after a short stint in the U.S. Air Force, became one of the early founders of Warwick Plumbing and Heating Corporation. He created an organization based on excellence, integrity, honesty and professionalism, qualities that have endured at Warwick to this day. 

Well-loved for his playful, generous spirit and sunny nature, he had a large circle of friends and could be counted on to liven up any gathering. A talented storyteller, he was also abundantly blessed with artistic creativity, which he expressed through fine woodworking and painting. He also loved designing and building – whether it be mechanical systems, houses, or furniture. 

He lived life to the fullest; he was a good golfer, one or two shots short of being great, an avid competitive sailor, a skier, and a world traveler with his wife Patty. He was an enthusiastic supporter of many community organizations, chief among them, the Virginia Living Museum, and the Peninsula Fine Arts Center. Most importantly, he loved his family and never met a stranger. 

He had a strong faith. He grew up in the Baptist Church and maintained an active membership in the Presbyterian Church after his marriage. 

If George had one regret in life, it was that he never learned to fly. He is flying now.

George was predeceased by his wife of 64 years, Patricia Andrew Goodson, and his parents, Hilda and George Royden Goodson. He is survived by three loving children and their families: Patricia and Ivan Karhan of Prague, Czech Republic, Royden and Martha Goodson, Pax and Melissa Goodson, all of Newport News; six grandchildren: Emily, Caroline, and Charles Goodson, Ellen Goodson Coughtrey, Lucy Goodson, Catherine Goodson Palomino; three great grandchildren: Pax and Kit Coughtrey, and Isabella Palomino.

A Celebration of Life will be held at 11:00 a.m. on Saturday, February 18, 2023 at Hidenwood Presbyterian Church. Interment was private at Peninsula Memorial Park. In lieu of flowers, we kindly ask that donations be made to Hidenwood Presbyterian Church, the Martha W. Goodson Center at Riverside Health System, or the Virginia Living Museum. Arrangements by Weymouth Funeral Home.