Boyd A. Goodson

Boyd A. Goodson, 89, of Greenville, Illinois, passed away on Thursday, July 3, 2025, at HSHS St. Elizabeth’s Hospital in O’Fallon, Illinois.

Boyd was born November 2, 1935, in Saddle, Arkansas, the son of Archie Greenberry and Anna Jane (Dotson) Goodson.  He married Bonnie Louise Boothe, on November 7, 1953, in Morriston, Arkansas. They were happily married for over 62 years and on March 26, 2016, she preceded him in death.

Boyd loved his family and loved reaching out to others.

He and his late wife Bonnie, worked hard to provide a living for the family and steward their income well. That stewardship allowed them to serve both family and others in need, with a goal of helping change people’s physical and spiritual lives for good.

He worked at the Purex Corporation in St. Louis and later became a minister. He was the first minister for the Church of Christ in Greenville, Illinois, and later preached in Jerseyville, IL as well. While in Greenville, he started a Christian bookstore called Boyd’s Books, which later moved to Jerseyville once his preaching position began there. His goal was to provide books and bibles to help people grow spiritually, with the proceeds going to support the education of ‘preachers in training’.

He was an avid sportsman and loved to play softball, basketball, golf, and bike ride. He especially enjoyed when he would beat his two sons Mark and Steve in a game of golf. He was also a Cardinal baseball fan and enjoyed rooting for his team.

Singing was a great passion, and he (and Bonnie when she was living), were known to break out in song at any given moment. It was not uncommon for the family to be driving and start singing in four-part harmony.

He was preceded in death by his parents, his wife, and siblings, Ted, Fred, Eldon, Merle, Irene, and Thad.

Surviving Boyd are his children, Mark (Melinda) Goodson of Jackson, Tennessee, Steve (Janet) Goodson of Greenville, Illinois, Penny (Jim) Dyes of Nashville, Tennessee; grandchildren, Chris Melton, Tyler Goodson, Stephanie McLean, Erin Goodson, Nathan Goodson, Kristen Watts, Kassie Dyes; great grandchildren, Luke Melton, Katy Melton, Amya Miller, Max McLean, Thatcher McLean, Maeva Watts, River Watts, and one on the way. Additionally, he has a brother, Bobby Joe Goodson of Rogers, Arkansas still living.

Visitation will be from 5:00 – 6:30 pm, Tuesday, July 8, 2025, at the Vaughn Hill Church of Christ, 622 S. Bellwood Drive, East Alton, IL 62024.

The funeral service will begin at 6:30 pm, with Brian Magnuson officiating.

The burial will take place at 10 am, Wednesday, July 9, 2025, at the Mt. Auburn Cemetery Greenville, IL 62246.

The family asks that donations be gifted to the Shults Lewis Children’s Home in lieu of flowers, plants, and other gifts.

Memorial contributions may be given during the visitation and funeral or mailed to the Shults Lewis Children’s Home, 325 S. 150 East, Valparaiso, IN 46383 or online at shultslewis.org.

The family has entrusted Assalley Funeral Home in Greenville with the ceremonies.

Please visit www.assalleyfuneralhomes.com to share memories or offer condolences to the family.