T. Dewey Goin Jr.

T. Dewey Goin, Jr., 87, of Greenwood, formerly of Abbeville, went to be with his Lord and Savior on September 23, at his home with his family by his side. Mr. Goin was born September 30, 1928 in Clifton Forge, Virginia to T. Dewey Goin, Sr. and Bessie Jones Goin. Upon graduating from high school in 1946, Mr. Goin enlisted in the United States Marine Corp for a two year of duty. Parris Island was his first extended visit to South Carolina. He was a World War II Veteran and was awarded the Cross of Military Service. Soon after his discharge, he enrolled at Mars Hill College in North Carolina, where he met the love of his life, Betty Houston. Dewey followed Betty from Mars Hill College to Erskine College, and later they married in 1952 and Dewey earned his B.A. Degree in Social Science. Mr. Goin's career was spent with Abbeville County School District 60, first as a classroom teacher at the old Abbeville High School on Chestnut Street in Abbeville. During that time, he also taught Veterans classes at night and worked with the school guidance and counseling programs. In 1958, he was named Abbeville County's Teacher of the Year, and for the 1960-1961 term, he served as the President of the Abbeville County's Education Association. While earning his Masters of Education Degree in school administration from Furman University, he served as Assistant Principal of Abbeville High School. A few years later, Mr. Goin became Principal of Abbeville High School for a period of 13 years. Many students would remember Mr. Goin as a principal who 'stood on principles'. Prior to his retirement in 1986, he worked in other capacities at the District 60 office and lastly, at the Abbeville Vocational Center. He enjoyed all facets of his tenure with the school system, but would quickly tell you that his most treasured time was in the classroom teaching the students. For over 60 years, Mr. Goin was an active member of the First Baptist Church of Abbeville, SC, where his participation was a testament to his love for God and others. Mr. Goin taught Sunday School for over 60 years, which was also a role that he so enjoyed. In addition to chairing and serving on the Board of Deacons and various other committees in the church, Mr. Goin's most beloved mission for 28 years at First Baptist Church was leading the Royal Ambassadors. Mr. Goin loved his family, church and trout fishing. An avid fisherman, he found solitude on a creek bank or in a mountain stream with his fly rod. His sons and grandsons shared this passion with him. To his children, he was a role model in every aspect of his life. He was a father, a husband, a church leader and an educator who was worthy of emulation. Mr. Goin was preceded in death by one sister, Mary Ann Goin Sales. He is survived by his wife of 64 years, Betty Jean Houston Goin; two sons, Michael (Sandra) Goin of Belpre, Ohio and Johnny Goin of Myrtle Beach, SC; two daughters, Jeanne Hagen Metcalf of Rutherfordton, NC and Merry Beth (Mark) Moore of Greenwood, SC; nine grandchildren and five great grandchildren. Also surviving are two brothers, Robert M. Goin of Lynchburg, Virginia and Billie F. Goin of Clifton Forge, Virginia; two sisters, Betty Mae (Warren) Entsminger of Beckley, West Virginia and Nancy Lee Williams of Lynchburg, Virginia. The family will receive friends from 5:00PM to 7:00PM Sunday, September 25, 2016 at Harris Funeral Home in Abbeville. Funeral services will be 2:00PM Monday, September 26, 2016 in the First Baptist Church of Abbeville with the Rev. Dr. John Keith officiating. Burial will follow in Oakbrook Memorial Park with the Rev. Chuck Evans officiating. Serving as active pallbearers are the grandchildren and honorary pallbearers will be former Royal Ambassadors of the First Baptist Church. The family is at the home in Greenwood. Memorials in memory of Mr. Goin, may be sent to the First Baptist Church of Abbeville, PO Box 825, Abbeville, SC 29620 or to the Connie Maxwell Children's Home PO Box 1178, Greenwood, SC 29648. A message of condolence may be sent to the family by visiting www.harrisfuneral.com Harris Funeral Home & Cremation Services of Abbeville is assisting the Goin family.