Major John Carlton Gooden Jr. (US Army Retired)

Major John Carlton Gooden Jr., (US Army Retired), 82, of Morehead City, passed away Tuesday, October 20, 2020, at Carteret Health Care.

His memorial service, with military honors, will be held at 2 p.m. on Saturday, October 24, 2020, at Munden Funeral Home in Morehead City, officiated by Rev. Patrick Whaley. Friends are welcome to attend the service. For those unable to attend, the family invites you to view the webcasting of the service through his obituary page on Munden Funeral Home’s website. In keeping with the CDC guidelines pertaining to the Coronavirus, those who are ill or at-risk (elderly, immune-compromised) are encouraged to stay home. Additionally, there will be a limit to the number of people in the building at one time, as well, those who attend will be asked to bring and wear a protective mask. Help us honor the family while practicing safe measures. Friends are also encouraged to leave words of comfort to the family through the website.   (See link below for the Service Bulletin including the Order of Service.)

John was born on August 20, 1938 in Clarkton, North Carolina, to the late John and Evelyn Gooden. He proudly served our country in the United States Army where he retired with the rank of Major. During his 20 years of faithful service he served in the Vietnam War and earned numerous medals, including the 2 Bronze Stars and the Vietnam Cross of Gallantry, both received for his heroic achievement. While serving in the military, he attended the Methodist University where he obtained 3 degrees, in Economics, History and Religion. After retiring from the Army, he started a new career in the textiles industry as an Industrial Engineer here in Carteret County. He worked with the Blue Bell Corporation for many years until they moved most of their operations oversee due to North American Free Trade Agreement (NAFTA). He wanted to stay here in Carteret County with his family, so he decided to work for a few smaller companies regionally until he retired. Following his retirement, he enjoyed spending time with friends and family.

John wasn’t one to sit idly by, he took advantage of every opportunity to learn and was always ready for a challenge. Whether he was working in his yard or learning technology information, he was happy to be busy. A real thrill for John was watching NASCAR, he was a huge fan of Dale Earnhardt. John loved working with the Crystal Coast Shriners where he served as Treasurer for many years.

He is survived by his wife, Nancy McQueen Gooden of the home; daughter, Dana Gooden and significant other Barrett Hahn of Hillsboro, NC; sons, John Christopher Gooden of Richmond, VA and Jeffrey Clarke Gooden of Morehead City; sisters, Doris Cook of Florida, Merle Miller of Georgia, Florence Cox of Clarkton, NC, Nadine Evans of Elizabethtown, NC and Marsha Faucette of Midlothian, VA; and granddaughter, Kristen Elise Gooden of Sarasota, FL.

In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his grandson, Myles Royce Gooden.

The family will receive friends from 1 p.m. until 2 p.m. on Saturday, October 24, 2020, at Munden Funeral Home in Morehead City. The same safety guidelines will apply.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be sent in memory of John to First United Methodist Church at 900 Arendell St., Morehead City NC 28557 or to the Shriners Children's Hospital at 2900 N. Rocky Point Drive, Tampa FL 33607.

Family and friends are welcome to submit online condolences at www.mundenfuneralhome.net

Arrangements by Munden Funeral Home and Crematory in Morehead City, NC.