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Walter Joseph Goodman was a beloved father, grandfather, and friend to many and he departed from this world on Friday, Feb. 21, in Selma at the age of 65 years old, according to his obituary from the Lawrence-Brown Funeral Home.

For many years, Goodman dedicated his life to serving the public and within his working career at the Selma Fire Department, he advanced through the ranks until he retired as a field training officer, serving in his final rank as Captain.

“His commitment to his profession was unwavering, and his contributions were recognized when he received a certificate for 25 years of service from the city of Selma in 2013,” according to a statement within his obituary.

Walter’s expertise was further enriched by numerous certificates and accolades from esteemed institutions such as the National Fire Academy, Alabama Fire College, including Auburn University.

Goodman’s legacy will forever live on through the training that is still used today by the members of the Selma Fire Department, which is considered by many, a lasting symbol of his dedication.

“He was an excellent firefighter trainer,” said Coley Byrd, who is SFD Interim Fire Chief. “ He really was a great asset to the Selma Fire Department and he was very compassionate. I just really hated to hear about his passing when I did.”

Before his impactful career in firefighting, Walter served honorably in the U.S. Army for six years, where he earned numerous commendations from the Army Commendation Medal, the Army Achievement Medal, and various badges for excellence. His time as a helicopter repairman stationed in Germany shaped him, revealing a man with nerves of steel who handled adversity with grace and humor. Walter was not only a man of service but also an embodiment of joy and laughter, according to his obituary from the Lawrence-Brown Funeral Home.

He was known for his playful spirit and he could always be counted on to uplift those around him with a joke or a kind word.

Friends described him as someone who would “give you the shirt off his back,” showcasing his selflessness and loyalty and located within his obituary, it said his Christian faith also played an important role in his life, guiding his actions and decisions.

Outside of his professional accomplishments, Walter cherished the moments spent with his grandchildren, teaching them how to play t-ball and instilling in them a love for the game. His hands were skilled in woodworking, enabling him to craft porches, wells, and hardwood flooring with remarkable precision. He was a passionate golfer and angler, often finding peace in the great outdoors. Walter’s affection extended to all living creatures, and he had a soft spot for animals, embodying compassion in every aspect of his life.

He was preceded in death by his son, Jonathon Walter Goodman; his parents, Walter Buford Goodman and Mavis Elizabeth Goodman and sisters, Angel Leigh Goodman and Mary Elizabeth Cottrell and he is survived by his daughter, Pamela Goodman (Christopher) Jacobs; grandsons, Walter Michael Jacobs and Walden Marcon Jacobs; sisters, Patricia Joyce (Rickey) Burgey and Cathy Lucille (Gregorio) Fuentes; brother, Paul Daniel Goodman and numerous nieces and nephews.

His funeral will be held tomorrow, Tuesday Feb. 25 at 12:00 p.m. in the chapel of Lawrence Brown-Service Funeral Home of Selma. Interment will follow at Pineview Memory Gardens. The family will receive friends at the funeral home beginning at 11:00 a.m., prior to the service.

Pallbearers will be Michael Bowling, Patrick Washburn, Gregorio Fuentes, Andrew Burgey, Cameron Bowling and Christopher Jacobs.