Obituary of Donald Ray Goode

Donald Ray Goode, age 66, of Magnolia, AR, died at Little Rock, AR on April 9, 2020. Mr. Goode was born December 19, 1953 in Magnolia, AR. He is the son of the late John Wesley Mc Dowell and the late Irene Lindsey. As a child, Donald Ray spent most of his time with his grandparents, the late Obie (Boy) and Velma Goode. Donald was blessed to grow up beside his uncles Ozie “Tocky”, Robert, Lewis, and Tommy “TL”, almost as their little brother. They taught him how to work hard and how to be a man, lessons he learned very well. Donald Ray married Pearlena Henderson of Emerson, Arkansas, and together they had three children. Donald was a hard-working man with a gift for fixing things. He put his talents to work for Tony Tudor and Jacks Amusement for many years as a repairman. Later he would have a cigarette route with the same company. His work history also included a meat-processing plant in Dallas, TX, a sawmill where he operated a forklift, Albermarle where he packaged flame retardant for a while and then later driving a dump truck for waste removal. He was not afraid of hard work. Donald was a man of few words, but loved music, especially James Brown and the song “His Heart was Green” by Booker T and the MGs. He was a kind and considerate husband, father, and friend, who took great pride in manning the grill (even in the pouring down rain) and spending time with family. He was preceded in death by his parents John Wesley McDowell and Irene Lindsey and his stepfather: Roy Lindsey, one brother: Ricky McDowell, all of his beloved uncles/brothers: Ozie "Tocky", Robert, Lewis, and Tommy "TL" Goode, and his grandparents Obie and Velma Goode and Hatley and Mattie McDowell. He is survived by his devoted wife: Pearlena Henderson Goode, three children: Fletcher Barnard Goode, Sharifa LaWand Goode, both of Magnolia and Rakena Shamara (Alvin) Turner, of Little Rock, five grandchildren: Corsica Goode, Bredrin Chambliss, Brayden Chambliss, Titan Goode and Adalynn Turner, one great-grandchild: Chloee Jones, one brother: Harold Dean McDowell, of Texarkana, AR, two sisters: Adrienne Johnson of Jacksonsville, FL, and April McDowell of California, four aunts: Catherine Poole of Dallas, TX, Mildred Beene and Dezeria Ferguson of Emerson, AR and Mattie Guilford of Magnolia, one great-aunt: Darlene Tucker of Magnolia, one great uncle: David Jackson of Washington D.C., and a great host of nephews, nieces, cousins, in-laws and friends. Mr. Goode will be interred following a private funeral service. Thank you for your understanding.