William L. “Bill” Goodson was born April 10, 1929 in Hawkins, Texas to LeRoy Goodson and Katie Mae Dye Goodson. He married Narda Martinez on May 19, 2007 in Whitewright, Texas. He died Monday, June 6, 2016 at his residence in Whitewright, Texas at the age of 87.

Bill was known as The Mayor with the “Flair”. He was voted Texoma’s best dressed man by Herald Democrat’s readers in the year 2003. Most popular and liked in Texoma Living. Yet, he was a simple Cowboy, a Mavericks fan. With 80 years of giving.

Bill was a man who stood tall, who was wise. in courage to triumph. He lived from the Depression to Segregation. To white and black fountains and through the back doors. Yet, the obscure future did not stop him from dreaming. He opened up five stores. He outlived partiality, hypocrisy, and atrocity. He came out the victor at the end. Never losing an ounce of his sanity. Humility and integrity were his comrade and friends.

He did not find the need to cheat, dupe or con a brother. His skills and wits were enough to take him through. And the color of his skin wasn’t a bother. In the Air Force and Army, he led through tough strides. Sergeant Major in both units. He retired with pride. From the end of WWII, and Korea to Vietnam. From the jungles, swamps, and mountains. He fought for the red, white, and blue.

From the Black Crackers in baseball. To the Chicago Cubs, number sixty-two. Master electrician and military communications specialist. He was a graduate from Lincoln High School, attended the University of San Francisco, graduated from Bishop College with a bachelor’s degree in pharmacy. He graduated with a lot of knowledge.

For KNOK-AM Dallas, he was a sports journalist and radio host. He was editor and founder of The Southwest Sporting News. Achieved a business management degree. He wrote columns for the Dallas Express. There’s so much more to the Mayor with the “flair” He’s clothed with inner success.

He served in twenty-two plus committees. But he always found the time to commit to children. He made his school rounds every week to find the students gathering. They want to hear him speak. “I’m number one!” they always shout.

If you look very closely you would find him busy down on a city street. Trust me, his workers know, that he can run like an athlete. He’s a husband, a father, a brother, a mentor, a judge, and a friend, who’s as true of a friend to the end.

He’s the Mayor with the “flair”. Looking good with his cowboy hat, Bolo, boots, and collar stays. But as you can see, he’s much more than that. A politician, mathematician, a scientist, historian, and teacher. He’s a walking, talking encyclopedia. Never knowing he’d marry a preacher.

He was a husband, provider, protector. A man of noble propriety. A man of position and prayer, the greatest security. He was romantic, passionate and seasoned with flavor. A man who understands his wife, never causing unnecessary labor. With a tie that binds a man and a woman in love so sincere.

Bill’s life has spoken for him. His life was full and fully lived. Bill loved much and was loved much. He will be missed.

He is survived by wife, Narda Goodson of Whitewright; daughter and son-in-law, Sade Powell and Vaughn Thomas of Whitewright; daughters, Shanette Powell of Bronx, New York, Shayna Powell of Whitewright; daughter and son-in-law and Darlene and James Husbands of Mesa, Arizona; grandchildren, Demetrius Eliopoulos, Josette Husbands, Savion Thomas, Nala Dixon, Douglas Dawson Jr., Danecia Johnson, Juanita Reid, Alan Reid, Albert Reid, Marcus Dawson; nieces, Pamela Rice, and LaWanda Arterberry; nephew, Jeff Daniels; sister, Emma. He was preceded in death by his parents; brother, Roy Goodson; son, Doug Dawson, Sr..

Funeral Services will be held 2:00 PM, Saturday, June 11, 2016 at First Baptist Church, Whitewright, Texas. Officiating the service will be Rev. Willie Ballard and Rev. Jason Norton. Burial will follow at Oak Hill Cemetery in Whitewright, Texas. Pallbearers Vaughn Thomas, Jeff Daniels, Barry Bonds, Jerad Baker, Carl Harris, Jake Reynolds. Honorary Pallbearers will be Attorney Thomas Redwine, Sheriff Keith Gary, Asst. D.A. Britton Brooks, County Judge Bill Majors, Judge Brian Gary, Douglas Dawson, Jr. (Grandson), Richard Ratliff. Organizations attending Patriot Guard, Whitewright Fire Department/EMS, City of Whitewright.

The family will receive friends during a visitation on Friday, June 10, 2016 from 6-8pm at Turrentine-Jackson-Morrow Funeral Home, Whitewright, Texas.