On Good Friday, April 3, 2026, God in His infinite wisdom called home William T. Goodwyn, Jr., after 87 remarkable years of living as a faithful servant, solider, devoted husband, father, uncle and friend. William was affectionately known as "Pip" by all who loved him.

Pip was preceded in death by his parents, William T. Goodwyn, Sr. and Adeline B. Goodwyn; sisters, Dorothy G. Johnson, Shirley Fleming; nieces, Giselle G. Fleming, Renee Johnson; nephew, Lee Johnson; and his beloved daughter, Dr. Patrell V. Goodwyn.

Pip grew up in Zion Baptist Church in Petersburg, VA. He was educated in Petersburg Public Schools and proudly graduated with the Class of 1957. After high school, he explored several employment opportunities before, with the encouragement of his mentor, Lieutenant Colonel Randolph Peters, he enlisted in the United States Army. Following active duty, he returned to Petersburg and continued his service as an Army Reservist for more than 30 years.

Pip found his forever love in Florence Wyatt Pride, and on May 23, 1964, they began a journey that would span more than sixty years and was graced by the gift of their amazing daughter, Patrell V. Goodwyn.

Pip was a member of Pocahontas Lodge #7 P.H.A. for many years. During his tenure in this organization, he served in the position of Worshipful Past Master.

Pip was loved as a Driftwood having participated in Drifters, Inc., local and national events. Driftwood Pip traveled with Drifter Florence to the 2025 National Drifters, Inc. Conference in Charleston, South Carolina.

Upon returning to civilian life, Pip pursued a variety of employment endeavors: Brenco (4 years), Brown & Williamson (16 years), and Barr Brothers Jewelers part‑time until its closing. After Brown & Williamson Tobacco Company closed in 1984, he embraced entrepreneurship, proudly serving the community as owner of Wee Mart Convenience Store, Wee Wash Auto Detail, and Wee Wash Laundromat.

When the demands of sole ownership grew heavy, Pip returned to his first passion—food service, a love he developed while serving in the U.S. Army and Army Reserve. He joined Petersburg Public Schools as Cafeteria Manager for his beloved Westview Elementary School. When the Culinary Arts position opened in the Petersburg High School Career and Technical Education Department, he transitioned from soldier to teacher. After 23 years with PHS, he retired, though he continued fulfilling special culinary requests—especially his famous chicken salad and sheet cakes—until his health began to decline.

In his later years, Pip remained active in church life at his beloved Zion Baptist Church, where he served faithfully as a Trustee. He also enjoyed holding "coffee court" at 7‑Eleven, Wawa, and Citgo, where he shared stories, laughter, and wisdom with friends old and new.

Pip leaves behind a legacy woven with love, laughter, and memories that will be treasured forever by his loving and devoted wife, Florence; his brother, James Boisseau Goodwyn (Cynthia)  of South Chesterfield, VA;  sister‑in‑law, Anita Gales of Atlanta, GA; brothers‑in‑law, Ronald L. Johnson, I  of Clayton, NC, and Kenneth Gales of Stroudsburg, PA;  niece, Dr. Rachelle R. Johnson of Emeryville, CA;  nephews, Derek Fleming of Greensboro, NC, and Ronald L. Johnson II of Granada Hills, CA;  godson, Herbert D. Bland, Jr. of Petersburg, VA; and a host of other nephews, nieces relatives and friends.

He is also cherished by special cousins, Nannie Holloway and her family of Rockledge, FL; special bonus grands: Emma Rose Elaine Rodriguez of Fort Pierce, FL; Alayshia Lawson  of South Chesterfield, VA; Amari Lawson of South Chesterfield, VA; Jaylah Taliferro of Petersburg, VA; Maverick Crayton  of Pike Road, AL; Azikiweh AR. Hall  of Brooklyn, NY; and Kevin L. Hall, Jr.  of Petersburg, VA.

Special recognition and heartfelt thanks are extended to: Cheryl C. Williams of Petersburg, VA; The Hon. Helivi Holland, Judge of Suffolk, VA; Col. (Ret.) Lula B. Holland, Army Reserve of Suffolk, VA; Lula Lawson of South Chesterfield, VA; Brenda M. Walls of Hampton, VA; Jeanne Holmes of Prince George, VA; Joyce Roberts of South Chesterfield, VA; Izon Johnson‑Murphy of South Chesterfield, VA; Pamela Lundy of South Chesterfield, VA; Janell B. Sinclair of Petersburg, VA; Lynne White Saul Esq. (Phil) of Chesterfield, VA; Andrea Jones (Levi), Hampton, VA; Dr. Tess Short, Prince George, VA, Rebecca Miller, Detroit, MI; Darrell Roberts, South Chesterfield, VA; Bernard Lundy of Petersburg, VA; Andrew J. White, Jr. (Sheryl) of Surry County, VA; Don Roberts of Detroit, MI; Col. (Retired) Charles E. Ellis (Kenya) of Stafford, Virginia; Anthony Baker of South Chesterfield, VA; Steve Dillard of Petersburg, VA; Ron Holmes of Prince George, VA; William W. Lawson, III (Alenka) of South Chesterfield, VA; Dr. Robert Parsons of Newport News, VA; The Crockett and Dobie Families.

Services will be held 11:00 A.M., Friday, April 17, 2026, at Zion Baptist Church, 225 Byrne Street, Petersburg, VA, the Rev. Dr. James Delano Douglas, Pastor. The entombment to follow at Southlawn Memorial Park.

A wake will be held from 6:30 P.M. until 8:00 P.M., Thursday, April 16, 2026, at the funeral establishment.

In lieu of flowers for the entombment, the family kindly requests that plants or dish garden plants be given. This gesture not only honors their loved one but also provides a lasting tribute that can be cherished for years to come. Your thoughtful contribution of greenery will serve as a living memorial, reflecting the enduring spirit and memory of Pip.

J. M. Wilkerson Funeral Establishment, Inc., 102 South Avenue, Petersburg, VA, (804) 732-8911, www.jmwilkersonsince1874.com. Watch the funeral services live online on our J. M. Wilkerson Funeral Establishment, Inc. Facebook page or click here to view: Funeral Service - https://vimeo.com/1184250989?fl=pl&fe=sh and Wake Service - https://vimeo.com/1183094756?fl=ip&fe=ec