John Wesley Gooden was born April 12, 1944 to Willie and Ida Mae Robinson Gooden in Chambers County, Alabama.

“Butcherman” as he was affectionately called, enjoyed a career in Carpentry and was a prominent builder in the reconstruction of the Bowen East District Center. He worked under the mentorship of the late L. S. Combs and Buddy Combs. After approximately 50 years of self-employment in carpentry and an expert brick mason, being frequently sought out for his keen expertise, he retired in 2007.

He dedicated his life to the Lord in 2007 and was a dedicated member of Evergreen Baptist Church in Valley. Having a love for truth, he enjoyed the Ministry of Dr. Bertha Hodge for many years.

In 1974, he met the love of his life, the former Betty Jean McCullough, with whom he would spend the rest of his life. Together, they raised seven children. He was preceded in death by his parents; four sisters, Mae Rosie Gooden, Mae Liza Gooden, Willie Mae Gibson and Leola Gooden; and, two brothers, John Lewis Gooden and Arthur Gooden. John Wesley Gooden departed this life on Saturday, March 18, 2017 at Muscogee Manor Rehabilitation Center in Columbus, Georgia.

He leaves to cherish his loving memory: his loving and loyal wife, Betty Jean Gooden; four sons, David (Felicia) McCullough, Tommy McCullough (ShaQuita), James (Belinda) McCullough and John (LaKeisha) McCullough; three daughters, Patricia (Vicente) Bustamante, Darlene Glaze (Rodney) and Maggie McCullough (Willie); 12 grandchildren; six great-grandchildren; three sisters, Claudia Murphy, Cleo Glaze and Minnie Lois Gates; three brothers, Adolphus (Marie) Gooden, George Gooden and Danny (Patricia) Gooden; and, a host of nieces, nephews, other loving relatives and friends.