John William Gooden, III was born on November 27, 1940 to Mary Elizabeth and John William Gooden in Nashville, TN. He confessed his faith in Jesus Christ at the age of nine and was baptized at Mt. Nebo Baptist Church by Pastor William Bass in Nashville, TN.

In addition to his parents he was preceded in death by his son, John, IV.

John answered the ultimate call of duty and surrendered to the Lord Jesus Christ on February 20, 2017. He is survived by his loving and devoted wife of 36 years, Theresa "Angie" Gooden; children, Jonathan, Elizabeth, Celicia, Byron, and David; 5 grandchildren; 1 great-grandchildren; 3 sisters, Thenita Jones, Deborah (Don) Lewis, and Carolann Gooden; 4 brothers, William Robinson, Gregory (Terry), Jeffrey and Donald Gooden; a devoted mother-in-law, Theresa McCullough; a devoted aunt, Gwen McClain; as well as a number of other family and friends.

Funeral services will be held at 11:30am Monday, February 27, 2017 at the Russell Funeral Home Chapel.  Interment will follow in Salisbury National Cemetery, Salisbury, NC. The family visitation will be held from 11:00am until 11:30am on Monday at the Chapel.