Lawrence Douglas Goodman, in his 64th year, died on the 11th day of August, 2009 in Friendswood, Texas. He now is present with the Lord, never again to know sorrow, pain, tears or fear.

He was born to Eileen Blanche Mack Goodman and Ernest Coy Goodman in Whittier, California on September 8, 1944. He grew up alternately in California and Texas. Since the late fifties he had considered himself to be a Texan.

When his dad was killed in 1962, he did his best to care for his mom and sister. Even though he was just a teenager, he had an operation to enable him to join the army. It was the only way he could think of to make some money for them. Later he attended Lamar Tech and then made a successful career as an Operator for Exxon. In the seventies, he brought his mom to live with him and took care of her until her death in February of this year. He was a loving and devoted son and beloved brother.

He leaves behind to cherish his memory, his sister Betty Loene Tadlock and his brother-in-law David Tadlock of League City; his nephew Bradley Scott Tadlock of Pearland; his niece Bethany Christine and husband J. Michael Woodard and their daughter Ariana, all of Pearland; and his uncle, Roy Mack of Buena Park, California. He is also survived by numerous cousins of the J.E. Hodge family of TX and Kit Mack of CA. He will be missed greatly.

He had a kind and gentle spirit and was known for his sense of humor, his generosity and big-heartedness. And even though he was shy, he would always speak up for his beliefs. He was a good and faithful servant of the Lord. Now deprived of his presence for a time, his family and friends miss him, and do grieve; but they do "not grieve as others do who have no hope" 1 Thessalonians 4:13. They know they will see him again.

The family will receive friends from 2:00 p.m. until 2:45 p.m. Saturday, the 15th of August, at Claybar Funeral Home in Orange. A graveside service will follow at 3:00 p.m. at Harris Cemetery in West Orange.