OPHELIA—John Leslie Goddard, 99, of Ophelia passed away on Friday, July 11, 2025.
He was born on June 20, 1926, to the late James Paul and Mary Estelle Krantz Goddard.
Growing up at Flood Point in Ophelia, John was known affectionately to his childhood friends as “Chinkapen.” After serving in the Navy in World War II as a seaman first class, John was a superintendent during his long-term menhaden fishing industry career in Louisiana.
John has been a lifelong member of the Masons in Virginia and Louisiana and was also past commander of the Reedville American Legion VFW.
John was a proud American and enjoyed deep sea fishing and was an avid golfer. He could do anything he set his mind to and loved to tell stories of his life’s adventures. He was always ready and willing to give a helping hand to anyone who needed it.
John was predeceased by three wives, Kathy H. Goddard, Paulette F. Goddard and Margaret Knight.
He is survived by his devoted children, Joy G. Ballenger (Bob) of Riverside, Calif., and Beth Goddard of New Orleans, La.; step-children Paige M. Brock (Alan) of Waggaman, La., Julie B. Weicht (Dwight) of Heathsville and Paul R. Beebe of Covington, La.; six grandchildren and five great-grandchildren.
Funeral services were held at noon on Wednesday, July 16, at Afton Methodist Church, 5130 Hacks Neck Road in Ophelia. Family received friends one hour prior to the service along with final Masonic rites. Interment will be at Roseland Cemetery in Reedville with military honors.
In lieu of flowers, the family suggests memorial donations to Afton Methodist Church.
Currie Funeral Home LLC of Kilmarnock handled the arrangements.
