Dr. Mac Goodwin

Obituary For Dr. Mac Goodwin

COLUMBIA - A Celebration of Life for artist and educator, Dr. Mac Arthur Goodwin, will be held Saturday, October 29 at 2:00 p.m. at Virginia Wingard Memorial United Methodist Church, 1500 Broad River Road, Columbia. Dr. Goodwin, peacefully transitioned in the pre-dawn hours of October 24, 2016, following a brief illness. A native of Orangeburg, SC, he was a son of the late Rommie and Rilla Goodwin. Drawn to the struggle for social change, he first emerged as a leader during the 1960's civil rights unrest in Orangeburg. Earning degrees from Claflin University and the University of South Carolina, Goodwin taught successfully at every level from kindergarten through higher education. From 1984-2000, he served as the Education Associate for the Visual and Performing Arts with the S.C. Department of Education. A tireless advocate, he had been recognized as a leader in Arts Education and credited with making tremendous strides in the development of Visual and Performing Arts Education at both the state and national levels. During his tenure with DOE, he was instrumental in securing categorical funding for arts education and the establishment of the nationally acclaimed 'Arts in the Basic Curriculum (ABC) Project. He chaired the South Carolina Alliance for Arts Education (a Kennedy Center Performing Arts Affiliate) and the South Carolina Arts Alliance, a nationally acclaimed arts education and advocacy organization. As a board member and special consultant to its president, he contributed to the establishment of the South Carolina Governor's School for the Arts and Humanities. On the national level, Goodwin served as President of the National Art Education Association and chaired both the National Art Education Foundation and the Consortium of National Professional Arts Associations. His involvement included service on various national boards and committees charged with the development of an arts assessment framework and professional teaching standards. A consultant with the Educational Testing Service, Inc., he was often engaged as a national keynote speaker and consultant for curriculum, instruction, and assessment. Humbly, he credited the support of the people and the initiatives developed here in South Carolina for much of his success. Mac had a passion for working with people through the Arts. While he had no interest in creating a legacy, as such, he demonstrated an acuity for leadership through his ability to motivate and inspire others. His leadership transcended Arts Education. As Chair of the S.C. African American History Monument Citizens Advisory Committee, Goodwin faced one of his most challenging and rewarding assignments. He viewed his role in shepherding that project, which resulted in the realization of the African American monument on State House grounds, as one of his greatest successes. In 2002, the Columbia Museum of Art established the Mac Arthur Goodwin Award, presented annually to an individual who has demonstrated substantial hands on commitment to Arts Education. Goodwin was especially proud of that honor. He, himself, had been the recipient of numerous awards including the Order of the Palmetto, the State's highest honor; and, the Elizabeth O'Neill Verner Award, the Governor's Award in the Arts. Nationally, he had been named both Arts Educator of the Year and Arts Administrator of the Year. Yet, Goodwin, eschewing labels, just kept doing 'the work.' An accomplished artist, Goodwin was proficient as a painter and printmaker who in later years worked almost exclusively in mixed media. An avid jazz enthusiast, he often scrounged time late at night to Indulge his creative muse while listening to a favorite artist. His works are featured in many collections both private and public. Quiet and introspective by nature, Mac Arthur Goodwin was a man of strong faith and personal commitment. Active in his church, he was a member of Virginia Wingard Memorial United Methodist Church where he chaired the Staff/Pastor Parish Relations Committee. 'Leaders lead by service,' he once said. ' One who is a leader must be able to say to others, 'Follow me as I follow Christ.' That is my philosophy.' Mac Arthur Goodwin was predeceased by his parents, two siblings, and his beloved son, Michael. Those left to cherish his memory include: his loving and devoted wife, Juanita; a daughter, Theresa Wyatt (Spartanburg, SC); one son, Gerard Goodwin (Columbia, SC); granddaughters, Michelee Jones (Hephzibah, GA) and Michale Payden (Spartanburg, SC); a great-granddaughter, Aniyah Payden (Spartanburg, SC); a brother, Cornelius Goodwin (Elizabeth City, NC); two special nephews: Toby (Danielle) Housey (Charleston, SC) and Ralph (Dianne) Randolph (Columbia, SC) cherished godchildren, Carlos (Lisa) Simpson (Columbia, SC), Bernard and Cheryl Graham (Woodbridge, VA), and Darrell Housey Jr. (Suitland, MD); several sisters- and brothers-in-law; and vast extended family and a host of former students, colleagues and friends all whose lives were enriched, just by knowing Mac. J.W. Woodward Funeral Home Spartanburg, SC

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