Published: September 08, 2008 07:36 am      

Meet your Neighbor - Frank Goodson

A hard-working man

vanessa.fultz@gaflnews.com



Goodson turned 90 on Sunday. His family and friends gathered at his home to celebrate the occasion. Goodson has one daughter, Ruby Robinson, two grandchildren, seven great-grandchildren and 10 great-great-grandchildren.



Frank Goodson has been working ever since he can remember. The oldest of six siblings, he labored in the turpentine forests as a boy to help put food on the table. His job was to clean out the gutters from which pine tree resin dripped through. The resin was collected in large tubs and used to make turpentine, a popular industry at the time.

Goodson’s work schedule didn’t permit him to attend school, so he never learned to read and write. Years later his wife, Lura, a school teacher, offered to teach him how, but Goodson, who turned 90 on Sunday, says he just couldn’t fit it into his schedule.

“I can’t read and write, but you can’t trap me or cheat me,” Goodson said, referring to the common sense the Good Lord gave him.

At the age of 13, Goodson left home and became a hobo. He hopped from train to train around the country, where he worked for a while and then moved on. During that time Goodson remembers being so poor that he sometimes didn’t eat for two or three days at a time.

After marrying, Goodson and Lura moved to Lura’s parents’ farm in southern Suwannee County. There he farmed and raised pigs. He also worked at a Live Oak creosote plant for 25 years.

While Goodson’s neighbors were still using a mule and buggy to get around, he was driving a 1926 Ford Mercury.

“I had the first car around here,” Goodson said. “I bought a driver’s license for 25 cents.”

Goodson chauffeured neighbors, taking them to buy groceries and to doctor’s appointments.

Goodson still lives on the same land, though much of it has been divided among family members. His wife passed away about 15 years ago. The couple was married for 28 years.

Goodson never completely retired.

“I came in this world kicking and I’ve been kicking ever since,” he said.

His current working schedule includes maintaining a small garden in his backyard; mowing five lawns, including the yard at New Zion Missionary Baptist, which he attends; picking up pecans; and cleaning trash around the springs near where he lives.

Goodson still uses the same tractor that he purchased in 1975 to plow his garden. And the tractor seems to be as resilient as he. He says the two back tires on it are original.

When Goodson’s work is done for the day he sits in his chair in front of the television and watches what he calls his “stories.” His favorite show is “Walker Texas Ranger.”