The journey of life for Johnny Will Goodson began in Leary, Georgia on August 29, 1952.  He was the beloved son of the late Bennie Lee Goodson and Pearlie Mae Goodson.

He received his elementary and secondary education in the Calhoun County School System.  Endearingly called "Cooda" by family, friends, and classmates, Johnny was a very perceptive and astute young man whose mind never ceased questioning.  While in high school, he gained valuable technical skills; garnered much from his educational experiences; and actively engaged in numerous student organizations and activities.  He continued his education at Albany State College (University) where he earned a bachelor's degree in psychology.  There, being of good character and in exceptional academic standing, he became a dedicated member of the Delta Delta Chapter of Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Inc. and contributed immensely to strong brotherhood and the betterment of society.

Cooda had the great privilege of growing up in a strong Christian home where the foundation for his walk with the Lord was laid.  As a youth, he attended Eureka Missionary Baptist Church in Leary.  In later years, he was baptized as one of Jehovah's Witnesses and faithfully studied at the Kingdom Hall on Westover Road in Albany, Georgia.  In all things, he was deeply rooted and grounded; and his unwavering belief and warm spirit touched the lives of everyone he met.

Having been totally captivated by Velma Hall, a courtship ensued which resulted in Johnny being joined in holy matrimony to the love of his life on August 30, 1975.  Their union was blessed with three children—Stacie, Carey, and Casey.   Although their life together ended in different directions, Cooda and Velma remained friends until his demise.

Obtaining employment for Johnny was never a problem, as he was a very determined, conscientious, and persistent individual who was no stranger to hard work.  He was employed at Firestone Tire Company for many years before joining the ranks of employees at Turner Job Corp.  Iin both work settings, Cooda was a stellar employee with unmatched work ethic and drive.  He later retired from Albany Technical Institute having rendered innumerable years of loyal and dedicated service.

Johnny had a big heart  and nurtured relationships with people that remain to this day his life-long friends.  Anyone who knew him would agree that he was extremely straight-forward, unpretentious, and strong-willed; but he was also the voice of calm, comfort, and humility.  He was full of life, love, and kindness;  a selfless caretaker of his "little sister" Debra; a great conversationalist and philosopher; and he never met a stranger.  Cooda enjoyed listening to jazz, working in the yard, and tinkering on old cars.  He was also a master of many trades, including upholstery—a skill he acquired working alongside his mother at Goodson's Upholstery Shop in Leary, Georgia.  His greatest joy, however, was spending time with family, friends, and his "frat" brothers who were so dear to him.

On May 9, 2025, Johnny faced the sunset of his earthly journey at Phoebe Putney Memorial Hospital.  Though his departure leaves a void, his spirit will live on in those left behind.  In addition to his parents, Cooda was preceded in death by his brother, Bennie E. Goodson.

He leaves a legacy of love, kindness and generosity that will continue to grow and be remembered by his loving children, Stacie Goodson-Jones (Roury), Carey Goodson (Markita), and Casey Goodson; his sisters, Debra Goodson and Jackie; sister-in-law, Ann Goodson; six grandchildren; and a host of nieces, nephews, uncles, aunts, cousins, extended family, and friends.