Roll Call Tribute

Bennett A. "Benny" Goodman 

September 5, 1925 - December 26, 2024 

Bennett Goodman, beloved husband, father, grandfather, great-grandfather, son and brother passed away December 26, 2024, in Dallas at the age of 99. Bennett was born on September 5, 1925, to parents Albert and Birdie Goodman. His father passed away when Bennett was just 2 years old. Although he and his brother Mervin were raised by his single mother Birdie, she gave her life to bringing up the two small children, later adding her niece Benita, and taught them how to become rightful citizens.

Bennett graduated from Brown grammar school in south Dallas as a salutatorian. He then went to Forest Avenue HS where he was in the National Honor Society. Bennett enrolled in Texas A&M University where in his junior year he was captain of "A" Company Engineers. Due to WWII, A&M was not offering senior courses so Bennett enrolled at the University of Oklahoma and graduated with a degree in petroleum engineering. Upon graduation, Bennett voluntarily joined the Navy as a radar technician and was honorably discharged in 1946.

Together with his brother Mervin, they opened their first business store in 1947 named "Goodman Radio and Records". They became the first retail store in Dallas to feature black and white TV and then color TV which they pioneered. The brothers had multiple stores and after 53 years of retail, Bennett retired in 2000.

Bennett always had a ball in his hand and was always playing sports, including baseball, racquetball, jogging and golf. He continued jogging 3 miles twice a week until age 89. His family and grandchildren knew him as "Coach". He got this nickname while coaching baseball with his son. Coach was always trying to advise his grandchildren in ways that would help them through life.

Bennett's life was changed forever when, after leaving the Navy, he went on a blind date and met the one person that would give him the most wonderful life for 79 years. Patricia Levin, then 15 years old and still at Highland Park HS, began dating. After Patricia graduated from SMU, they married in 1950, the most monumental day of his life. They raised 3 children Scott, Candy (married to Arnold Lipp) and Craig (married to Karen). His grandchildren numbered 7, Adam, David, Rebecca Lipp and Julie, Jeffrey, Stacey and Brian Goodman and 13 great-grandchildren.

Bennett was a long time member of Temple Emanu-El from confirmation to President of the Brotherhood. He was a loyal member of Cooper Aerobics Center for over 40 years. He was constantly active, loving sports, dancing and bridge. As an art lover, he aspired to see as many museums around the world as possible. He always gave his all to any endeavor and was ready to share a funny story with anyone who would listen.

His last request is a testament to Patricia and he desired the following sonnet to be remembered as a tribute to their love and devotion. Elizabeth Barrett Browning's "How do I Love Thee? Let me Count the Ways".

Services will be held at Temple Emanu-El's Stern Chapel at 11:00 am, Sunday December 29 2024.