Raymond B. Goodfellow

Raymond B. Goodfellow died on Wednesday, Nov. 22, 2006, after a period of declining health. Raymond was the son of Raymond and Mary Veronica Goodfellow of Chattanooga, Tenn., who preceded him in death. He is survived by his wife, Irene "Renie" Goodfellow, a daughter, Kasey, and a son, Josh. He is also survived by a sister, Clarice Stott of Bryant, Ala.

Raymond was a leader and a visionary who dedicated more than 25 years of his life to Western Piedmont Community College as an instructor, dean and most recently as vice president. As Vice President for Academic Affairs, he had several goals for the College, which included improving student learning and helping more students achieve their educational goals.

Raymond’s career at the College began in 1979 when he was hired as an art instructor. He became coordinator of the visual arts program in 1980. Raymond received the College’s Excellence in Teaching Award in 1992, the highest honor bestowed upon an instructor by the College.

The College selected him to serve as Dean of Humanities and Social Sciences in 2002. During his tenure as dean the College established several new programs, including Professional Crafts/ Clay, Digital Effects and Animation Technology and Interpreter Education.

Raymond was an accomplished artist who exhibited his work and lectured at museums and galleries throughout the region. He served as past chairman of the Burke Arts Council Board of Directors and served on the board of several other arts organizations in Western North Carolina. Raymond taught and mentored numerous local artists whose work can be seen throughout the community.

Raymond earned his bachelor’s degree from the University of Tennessee at Chattanooga and completed a master of fine arts degree at East Tennessee State University. He served in the United States Army National Guard and received an honorable discharge in 1976.

Raymond enjoyed travel and shared his knowledge of art history as he led students on trips throughout the United States and Europe. He was a gifted storyteller, who entertained friends and family recounting his travel and life experiences. In addition, he was an avid sports fan, especially of the University of Tennessee Volunteers.

Raymond was a devoted husband, father, brother and friend whose humor and compassion were an inspiration to everyone who knew him. His legacy as an educator continues through the programs he implemented at Western Piedmont Community College and the lives he impacted as a teacher and mentor.

A celebration of Raymond’s life and gathering of friends will be held at 5:00 p.m., Sunday, December 17, 2006 at CoMMA, City of Morganton Municipal Auditorium. In lieu of flowers, the family requests that memorials be contributed to the Raymond B. Goodfellow Scholarship Fund c/o Western Piedmont Foundation, 1001 Burkemont Ave., Morganton, NC 28655 (www.wpcc.edu) and the American Cancer Society, 4-A Oak Branch Dr., Greensboro, NC 27407 (www.cancer.org). Sossoman Funeral Home is assisting the family with arrangements.