Leonard Goodwin

Sammy Goodwin, age 64, went to Heaven on March 30, 2016 in Odessa. Sammy was born with cerebral palsy, and after being confined to his wheelchair all his life, he is running and dancing with the Angels!

Sammy was born on November 13, 1951 in Odessa to Frances & Sam Goodwin. Although born with physical disabilities, he was very smart with a great sense of humor. Sammy loved watching the stock market, playing dominoes and talking politics. But there was nothing he loved more than wearing burnt orange and watching Longhorn football! Sammy was one of the first patients of the Permian Basin Rehabilitation Center where he received therapy from Odessan Bill Madden, a lifelong family friend. Sammy attended Sam Houston Elementary until 3rd grade, which was as far as special education went at the time for ECISD. He then enrolled in the Moody School in Galveston, and John Huggen School for the handicapped in Port Arthur, TX, where he graduated from high school. He then attended Victoria Junior College in Victoria. Sammy then moved to Austin, where he became an avid UT Longhorn fan. In exchange for room and board, Sammy had an architect student serve as his aide, helping him through his daily life so that he could attend class on his own. It was during this time that Sammy became lifelong friends with then Longhorn running back Earl Campbell. They developed a special friendship and lasting memories. After college, Sammy returned home to Odessa, eventually residing at Deering's Nursing Home, where he was known as "mayor" having been elected President of the Resident's Council several times. All staff and residents knew Sammy as he would wander the halls checking on everyone.

Sammy is preceded in death by his father, Sam Goodwin.

He is survived by his mother, Frances Goodwin; sister, Angie Bell; nephews, John Austin Bell and Justin Turner and two great nephews. Surviving Odessa relatives include Glenda Baggett Cranfill and Tommy & Barbara Henderson, as well as other out-of-town aunts and uncles. Odessa cousins include Larry Baggett, Scott Baggett, Scott Goodwin and Renee Earls and many other out-of-town cousins and relatives that were extremely close to Sammy.

He was the light of the family, leaving all of us a wonderful example of which to follow. His bright smile, wit and optimistic attitude will be missed, but we are all so happy that Sammy is healed and whole.

The family wishes to thank Deering's Nursing Home, Dr. Ortega, Star Hospice and other specialty doctors for the fine care he received.

Funeral Services will be held at 1:00 pm, Saturday, April 2, 2016 at Sunset Funeral Home Chapel with Reverend Dr. Joe Weaks, of First Christian Church officiating. Burial will follow at Sunset Memorial Gardens.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations may be made to the Permian Basin Rehabilitation Center, 602 N. Alleghaney Ave., Odessa, TX, 79761.

Arrangements are entrusted to Sunset Memorial Gardens and Funeral Home. To send family condolences please sign the guest registry at www.sunsetodessa.com.

Visitation

Open Visitation

Sunset Funeral Home
6801 E. Business 20
Odessa, TX  79762
Friday, April 1, 2016
09:00 am - 8:00 pm

Service

Funeral Service

Sunset Funeral Home Chapel
6801 East Business 20
Odessa, TX  79762
Saturday, April 2, 2016
1:00 pm

Cemetery

Sunset Memorial Gardens
6801 E. Business 20
Odessa, TX  79762

Memorial Contributions

Permian Basin Rehabilitation Center
620 N. Alleghaney Ave.
Odessa, TX  79761