Ernest Edward Goens Sr. (Smiley)'s Obituary
Ernest E. Goens, age 89, of Old Hickory, Tennessee, passed away peacefully on Monday, November 24, 2025, at Alive Hospice in Nashville. Born April 29, 1936, in Albertville, Alabama, Ernest grew up in Lincoln Mill Village in Huntsville, where he formed friendships that lasted a lifetime. He was a man of deep faith, unwavering integrity, and a generous spirit that touched everyone he met.
Ernest lived a life full of purpose and joy. He was proud to serve as a member of the Masonic Order, the Scottish Rite, the Shriners, and the Order of the Eastern Star. Among his greatest joys was bringing laughter as a Shrine Clown, known affectionately as “Smiley.” His gift for making others smile reflected his kind heart.
A devoted husband and father, Ernest worked tirelessly to provide for his family, holding multiple jobs over the years. He spent many evenings as a projectionist at local theaters, creating cherished memories with his children. Later, he built a successful career as a millwright at Dupont, retiring after years of dedicated service.
Retirement opened a new chapter of service for Ernest. Through the United Methodist Church Volunteers in Mission Program, he embarked on twenty mission trips abroad, sharing his love and compassion with communities around the world. He often said these experiences were among the most rewarding of his life, and he delighted in bringing joy to children in distant villages as “Smiley.”
Ernest was an avid Vanderbilt football fan and spent many years ushering at the games in the 1970s and 1980s. He was a faithful husband, good father and never met a stranger. As a lifelong Christ follower, he believed his life’s work was to provide for his family and others.
Ernest was preceded in death by his parents, William and Lillian Goens, and his brothers Floyd, Colonel, Gene, and Thomas. He leaves behind his loving wife of 65 years, JoAnn Medlin Goens; three children, Jennifer Cammuse (Wendell), Danielle Midgett (Robin), and Ernie Goens Jr. (Cyndi); grandchildren Bryan Parkerson (Shurree), Kai Parkerson, and step-grandson K.C. Moseley; his sister, Linda Bonner; and brother, Ron Goens (Patti).
Ernest’s life was a testament to love, laughter, and service. His legacy will live on in the hearts of all who knew him.
A funeral service will be held at 12pm Saturday, January 10, 2026, at Spring Hill Funeral Home with Reverends Hubert Cunningham and Jimmy Hendricks officiating. Inurnment will follow at the Spring Hill Cemetery.
Visitation will be held Friday, January 9, from 5 to 7 pm and Saturday, January 10 from 11 am until noon at Spring Hill Cemetery.
In lieu of flowers, the family request donations be made to the Global Ministries of The United Methodist Church. https://umcmission.org/
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