John Gooden peacefully passed away at home on October 1, 2024, just two days after celebrating his 70th birthday. Born on September 29, 1954, John attended Leesburg High School before embarking on a diverse career, proudly serving in the U.S. Army and later working with B&H Roofing Company and Lady Lake Salvage Company. On March 31, 2014, he married the love of his life, Carol Wood Gooden, in holy matrimony.
John was known for his love of cooking and his incredible skills as a handyman-there was nothing he couldn’t fix or build.
He leaves behind cherished memories with his devoted wife, Carol Gooden, stepson Vertiz Wood (Dena), adopted son Kordel Malik Gooden-Plommer, adopted daughter Ronika D. Williams, granddaughter
Princess Reign D. Williams, step-granddaughters Alishia Wood and Jasmine Wood, step-grandsons Vertiz A.L. Wood Jr., Leon Wood, Christian Steptoe, and Jonathan Thomas. He is also survived by his sister Marcille Greaves, brothers Carl Greaves and Anthony Greaves, three great-grandchildren, and his uncle Earl Gooden (Joyce), along with a host of cousins, nieces, and nephews.
John was preceded in death by his mother, Aretha Greaves, his grandmother, Geraldine Merricks, and his brother, Gerald Greaves, with whom he now reunites in eternal peace.
A service will be held on October 17, from 3 p.m. to 4 p.m. at Sellers Funeral Home, Inc., located at 440 SW Broadway Street in Ocala.