The Reverend Dr. William H. Goodwin was born on July 10, 1956, in Mt. Gilead, North Carolina to the late Sarah M. Goodwin and the late Leroy Goodwin. He was reared in Ellerbe, N.C. and was educated in the Public-School System. He graduated from High School in 1974 and enlisted in the U.S. Air Force. Dr. Goodwin served in “Operation Desert Shield/ Desert Storm.” He is a Two-Time Recipient of the Bronze Star Medal, the fourth highest individual Combat Award for heroic or meritorious service in a combat zone. Dr. Goodwin retired from active service in 1995, after serving: 20 years, 6 months, and 13 days, at the grade of Master Sergeant (E-7).
Dr. Goodwin has earned a Bachelor’s Degree in Sociology from St. Leo University in Florida, as well as a Master of Divinity and a Doctor of Divinity from Virginia Triumphant College and Seminary in Richmond, Virginia.
On October 1, 2017, Dr. Goodwin retired from the City of Newport News’ Department of Human Services – after 18 years of service. On May 31, 2024, Dr. Goodwin retired from Lebanon Baptist Church, after serving 31 years as Pastor.
Dr. Goodwin is the past President of the Baptist Ministers Union of New Kent and Vicinity. He is currently a member of the New Kent Branch of the NAACP. Dr. Goodwin serves on several Committees in New Kent: The Proactive Approach to Community in Crisis (PACC) Committee – with the New Kent Sheriff’s Office, New Kent County Community Health Assessment Steering Committee and the Parole and Probation’s Ex-Offenders Reentry Program Committee.
Dr. Goodwin is happily married to the former Sharon L. May of Paterson, NJ. She is a recently retired Employment Services Worker, from the Department of Human Services in the City of Newport News.
They have three sons and one daughter: DeBerry L. Goodwin Sr.—Assistant Principal at Bethesda-Chevy Chase High School, located in Bethesda, Maryland; W. DeQuan Goodwin, retired E-7 from the US Army who served two tours in Afghanistan, currently a Procurement Coordinator at Network Data Solutions, Houston, Texas; and Dennis S. Goodwin who is a Traveling Industrial Machinist. Dr. Belinda Sango—Special Education Coordinator for Prince George’s County Schools, Maryland; a beloved God Son, Kai Vann—Federal Government and a beloved God Daughter, Chanel Humphrey—Federal Government. Dr. and Mrs. Goodwin are the proud grandparents of five grandsons (one of whom God took home to be with HIM), five granddaughters, two great grandsons-third on the way and three great granddaughters.
Dr. Goodwin truly thanks GOD, every day, for entrusting him with HIS Word and with the care of HIS People.
“To God Be the Glory”