12/11/2025
Thomas Goodwin
Thomas Scott "Sam" Goodwin
What can be said about Sam Goodwin? Lover of all dogs, big or small, avid crappie fisherman, duck, deer, and squirrel hunter, and all things outdoors. Born November 28, 1947, to Jacquline "Jackie" and Charles Goodwin in Water Valley, MS. He was the younger brother to Keny Goodwin, who gave him the nickname "Sambo". Sam died peacefully at home on December 7, 2025. Sam's childhood was spent in Water Valley and Holly Springs, Mississippi. He was known to be an adventurous and mischievous child, but the Spurgeon aunts all talked about what a sweet little boy he was. He attended high school at Murrah High School in Jackson and was a proud graduate of Water Valley High School Class of 1965.
After his parents divorced, Jackie married Ken Parks, Sam was blessed with a half-sister Lou Parks White, who he dearly loved. Sam had many great adventures with his stepfather, primarily the time spent on the Yazoo River watching the raising of the Civil War Gunboat (The Cairo).
Sam was one of Water Valley's true hippie of the late 60's and early 70's, long hair and all. He married Dottye Southerland on a hill in a pasture, but their lifestyle doomed this union from the start. He found his true love and soulmate five years later when his love for a black Labrador Retriever named Faulkner prompted him to marry the dog's "human", Phyllis McKenzie on September 18, 1982. Their married life was blessed by approximately a hundred pups during their 43 years together. Before marrying Phyllis, Sam had worked in pest control for five or six years. His dream was to be a "professional killer" and own his own business, so in early 1983, Guardian Termite and Pest Control was founded and remains successful to this day. Sam was especially proud of and grateful to employees and friends, Al Reed, Cody and Tristen Schmitz, and Ethan McDuff for their dedication and loyalty to Guardian. Many family member have proceeded Sam in death, such as his daddy Charles Goodwin, mother Jackie Parks, stepdad Ken Parks, Thomas Card and his "bub" Keny Goodwin as well as his beloved aunts and uncles.
Sam was determined he was of the Native American bloodline; however, according to ancestory.com, he had no Indian heritage. This disturbed him greatly. He was always looking for arrowheads and had quite a nice collection, especially the one with a silhouette of a slice of watermelon. He even wrote a story about this artifact, which appeared in the 2025 Watermelon Carnival Program.
Sam was truly born again at the water tank on County Road 116 one-night gazing up at the stars. He said his mother had "punched" him as a kid to walk the isle of the church, but that evening he had a true encounter with Christ. He has been the adult Sunday school teacher, a deacon, and supporter of Jumpers Chapel Congressional Methodist Church for many years and was always wanting to know when the next eating meeting would be.
Sam loved going to Howell's Deer Camp and in recent years, to the annual "squirrel camp" at the Howell Christmas Place. He greatly respected the late Hershel Howell and thought of him as a true friend and mentor. Sam loved to read, especially about history, olden times on farms in the south, and biographies of famous people. He was a great conversationalist and never met a stranger. To the nieces, nephews, and grandchildren; Chris, Kelly, Elizabeth, Scott, Rachel, Brayden, Colter, Juliana, and especially Carolyne and Trista, know that "Sambo" loved each of you dearly and wished you all prosperity and happiness in this life.
Sam was cremated and his ashes will be scattered at his favorite spots, such as Wildcats and Midway on Enid Lake, Gums Crossing on Grenada Lake, along the Yalobusha River, near Holly Springs, the outdoor tabernacle at Jumpers Chapel, and the Christmas Place Hunting Camp.
Honorary pallbearers include Chris Goodwin, Ray Mac McKenzie, Daniel Edwards, Cody Schmitz, Ethan McDuff, Al Reed, George Crocker, Leonard Kilgore, Jimmy Holloway, Robert Allen, Joe Newman, and Matthew Boyles.
Celebration of Life will be held at Seven Oaks Funeral Home Chapel on Saturday, December 20. Visitation will be from 10:00 am - 11:00 am, with brief testimonials, scripture reading, and prayer from 11:00 am - 12:30 pm. He would want us to be finished by the 2:30 kickoff of the first ever appearance of the Ole Miss Rebels in the College Football Playoffs.
In lieu of flowers, please send donations to French Camp Academy, One Fine Place, French Camp, MS 39745 or Second Chance Animal Alliance P.O. Box 794 Water Valley MS 38965.
This obituary contains 777 words, which symbolizes ultimate divine perfection, completeness, and God's holy work.
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