JAMES RODNEY

1/09/51 – 1/28/23

January 9, 1951 was a happy day in Many, LA when James Rodney Goins was born to Ruthie Lea Weldon Goins and James Dewey Goins. He joined them in Heaven on January 28, 2023 at age 72 after a lengthy illness and several strokes.

Graveside services will be Saturday, February 4 at 2 PM at Mount Olivet Baptist Church in Stanley, with Rev. Richard Tull officiating. Funeral services will be under the direction of Jimerson Lipsey Funeral Home in Carthage. The Flower Shop in Mansfield will provide arrangements.

Rodney grew up on Hunter Hill at the International Paper Company Depot in the Hunter community, that his Dad helped establish. His Dad was the leader of the first Boy Scout Troop in the area. Rodney and neighbor C. B. Lum rode bicycles, climbed trees, played guitars, and avoided rattlesnakes with Rodney’s dogs Rusty and Sam, and C.B.’s dog, Red, right behind them. Rodney almost rode over a timber rattler in the driveway when he was about 10. It was large with 12 rattles and a button. He kept the rattles all of his life.

Rodney graduated from Stanley High School. While in FFA, he raised a jersey calf named Baby that won first place at the Louisiana State Fair. He, C. B., and their friends hauled hay and drank Cherry Coke in the summers as teens.

Rodney was in the US Army but did not get deployed to Viet Nam. He went to Trade School and worked most of his professional life at Valley Electric. After storms, he’d pack enough clothes for several days and head out to help get the electricity back on. When the lines were back up, he’d return exhausted. He never hesitated to go out because he had a strong work ethic and desire to help his community. He retired from Valley Electric after over 40 years.

Rodney helped others without wanting recognition. He dropped off groceries, jackets, and cash when he heard someone needed them. He left food for animals that appeared homeless. He donated Bibles to several jail ministries and guitars to several churches. The guitar he donated to Mount Olivet will be played at his funeral by Mark Murphrey.

Rodney was devoted to his family. He watched over his parents until his Dad died in August, 1997. He cared for his Mother as she aged until her death in August, 2016. Family left to remember his pranks and kindness include sisters Dr. Paula Goins Bradley and Janet Goins Wilson; brother-in-law Pete Wilson; nieces Misty Mayfield and Danette French; nephew Ken Wilson and wife Misty; great nieces Emily Mayfield, Megan Phelps and husband Tre, and Sarah French; great nephews Clint Wilson, Noah Wilson, and Samuel French; great great nephews Stetson Phelps and Winston Phelps. He was friends with many, including C.B. and Debbie Lum, David and Carla Caston (who still drive our Dad’s 1971 green Ford truck occasionally), and Earnest and Tammy Claybrook (who bought the Goins’ family home on Roberts Road and who’s son Gunner is like another nephew). Rodney was humble and kind.