Willis Funeral Home | Dalton, GA

Obituary For Samuel Gooden

MR. SAMUEL GOODEN - Age 87, of Chattanooga, Tennessee passed away Thursday, August 4, 2022 surrounded by family. He was the eighth child born to the late Reverend George and Ruby Gooden on September 2, 1934. Sam’s formal education was received in the school district of Park City in Rossville, GA and later graduated from Howard High School in Chattanooga, TN. Afterwards, he joined the United States Army where he was a Truck Driver.

In 1957, after serving his country, he began his singing career and took his vision to Chicago, Illinois where he met Jerry Butler and Curtis Mayfield. Realizing they needed someone to take them further in their career they allowed a gentleman by the name Eddie Thomas to take them under his wings as their manager. Eddie persuaded the rising stars to change their name from “The Roosters” to “The Impressions” and the rest is history. For Your Precious Love was released and life for the young gentlemen was never the same.

In 1963, Gloria Driver, a young lady he met in Chicago four years earlier, became his wife and began a loving family. Later they relocated to Chattanooga, TN. In addition to his singing career, he served as a Auxiliary Police Officer for the city of Chattanooga. He was a member of River of Life Church in Rossville, GA. His life as a husband, father, and grandfather gifted him with many rewards and unexpected pleasures; as a member of The Impressions, it too has blessed his life with joyful memories, his faith has brought him through many challenges that presented opportunities for personal and spiritual growth. The 64 years of his career overwhelmed him with gratitude to the industry and the generations of their faithful fans. Sam once stated, “I am motivated to Keep On Pushing until my heart tells me it is time to sit and rest. I love entertaining, seeing the happy faces of those we sing to is a bonus. Singing is my way of spreading love, peace, and hope to a newer generation and telling our faithful followers thank you.”

He is preceded by his parents, Rev. George and Ruby Satterwhite Gooden, brothers, Doc Gooden, George Gooden, LaVelle Gooden, Varnell Gooden, sisters, Mae Ruby Blake, Annie Ruth Ross, and Mary M. Scott, son-in-law, John Wade.

He is survived by his loving wife, Gloria Driver Gooden; children, Samuel J. Gooden, Sandra D. (Marvin, Sr.) Hudgins, Gina (Darryl, Sr.) Griffin, and Gloria J. “Spanky” Gooden all of Chattanooga, TN; eleven grandchildren; twelve great grandchildren; a host of nieces, nephews, cousins, other relatives, in-laws, and friends.

A private Memorial Service will take place at a later date. Military Honors and Rites will follow Monday, August 15, 2022 at 11:00 A. M. at the Chattanooga National Cemetery. Arrangements by Willis Funeral Home, Inc., Dalton, Georgia.

Guest Book

my papa was always a great man to be around he would make you day alot better just by hearing his voice #bigman

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Thanking God for the legacy you left for us. The childhood memories I have of the Impressions in my hometown of Chattanooga. Take your rest, your memory will last a lifetime To the family my sincere condolences to you all. As the Impressions would say "Keep on Pushing"

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To the Gooden Family,May you find Comfort in knowing that Sam is with the Lord. His Loving memories will Always be remembered by his Loving Smile and Encouraging WORDS. WE will keep you in our thoughts and prayers. Leroy and Hazel McDermott

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Our sincere condolences to the Gooden family. My father Mack Bumpass wanted to express his love for his friend Sam. My father is sick and doesn't get out at all now due to his health. Mr. Gooden gone but never forgotten.

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Mama Gloria you and your family has my sincerest condolences. Uncle Sam was the most kindest man. I feel very honored to have met him and to have known. I will never forget him. I will miss him and his amazing smile. My thoughts and prayers are with you all, I pray that God will surround you all with comfort and peace at this difficult time. I love you all. Rest in Heaven My Sweet Uncle Sam. Lysandra Spates

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My husband John Brown and myself Monica Brown we wanna offer my deepest condolences to the family and friends of Samuel Gooden.. My husband is his Son. My husband was born in 1964. He was told the Samuel Gooden was is Father. John would like to attend the home going services and meet his siblings. Please feel free to contact me via facebook. MonicaBrown@facebook.com8 My husband doesn't have a FB Page.

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Sincere condolences to Gina and Gooden family. I was young when I worked with Mr Gooden at the Depot in downtown Chattanooga in late eighties and early nineties, he was always nice and had a warm smile. Sending prayers and comfort during this most difficult time. Angela McWhorter-Grimes

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Sincere condolences to Gina and Gooden family. I was young when I worked with Mr Gooden at the Depot in downtown Chattanooga in late eighties and early nineties, he was always nice and had a warm smile. Sending prayers and comfort during this most difficult time. Angela McWhorter-Grimes

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Sincere condolences to the Gina and Gooden family. I was young when I worked with Mr Gooden at the Depot in downtown Chattanooga in late eighties and early nineties, he was always nice and had a warm smile. Sending prayers and comfort during this most difficult time.

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Thank you for your beautiful talent. God Bless. Burl Hullender, Jr.

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Thank you for beautiful talent. God Bless

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Our staff will continue to keep your family in our prayers. We thank you for allowing us to serve your family.

- Willis Funeral Home | Dalton, GA