Jack Goolsby

Jack Earl Goolsby, 80, of Beckley, WV, went home to be with the Lord and his beloved wife Betty on March 16th, 2025, after a short illness, surrounded by his loving family.

Jack was born on the 5th of September 1944, to Jack William Goolsby and Kathleen Norris Brubaker in Beckley.

In his early life, he was a paperboy, working a route from his grandmother's store on Fayette Street, to Maplewood Lane, and ending back at 5 Corners.

He and his future wife Betty had their first date in 1960 at a Beckley vs. Oak Hill basketball game. Beckley won, and Jack and Betty married right after she graduated from Woodrow Wilson High School, where Jack also went.

Jack and Betty started their married life in Yonkers, NY, while Jack worked for the Graham Home for Children. They returned to Beckley a few years later. Jack started working in the mines and raising a family.

During a break from mining, Jack worked in Winchester, Virginia for a concrete company. He had many stories about working hard all week there, then driving home to his family. Jack also worked at the Mine Academy for many years. He was an active member of the Moose Lodge, where he and Betty would frequently go dancing.

After retiring, Jack enjoyed traveling with Betty on a variety of bus trips all over the east coast. He was a lifelong member of the Church of Christ, baptized at McCreery on the New River, July 15th, 1968, by evangelist Bill Boden. He served as an Elder and led the congregation in singing.

Jack was predeceased by his parents, wife Betty, and brother Bill. He is survived by his sons Boyd Goolsby (Robin) of Georgia and Jack Goolsby (Tina) of Florida; By daughters, Sherry Winant (David) of Virginia, and Anita Wilburn (Greg) of Beaver, grandchildren Patricia Ward Shaw (Adam), Chris Ward, Samuel Winant, Joseph Winant, James Goolsby (Chasity), Donnie Goolsby, Will Goolsby (Brandy), Greg Goolsby (Nikki), and great grandchildren Kaylee and Mackenzie Shaw, William, Alexis, Mackenzie and Koda Goolsby-Hammett, Charlotte Goolsby, Lila Crummy, Dustin Byers, and Jensen Goolsby, and great-great grandchildren Maci and Leeroy Crummy, as well as many nieces and nephews.

Services will be conducted by Pastor Ernest Calfee, Jr. and Pastor Donald Walker, at Rose & Quesenberry 1901 S. Kanawha Street in Beckley, Wednesday, March 19, 2025, at 2:00 PM, with visitation for friends at 1:00 PM, family welcome at noon. Burial will follow at Sunset Memorial Park in Beckley.

Private online condolences and other expressions of sympathy may be directed to the family via our guestbook at www.roseandquesenberry.net Arrangements are by Rose and Quesenberry Funeral Home, 1901 South Kanawha Street, Beckley, WV.