Frank Nathaniel Goggans

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Frank Nathaniel Goggans Jr., passed away peacefully at his home in Cumberland Furnace, TN, on Wednesday October 22. He was 87 years old. 

Goggans was born in South Georgia (Lenox) in the 1930's to parents who maintained a general store near the train station in a one-stop town. Goggans recounted as a youngster, witnessing many soldiers returning home from WWII by train before joining the US Air Force himself in 1955. While he left small-town life behind at the age of eighteen, on the farm is where his heart forever remained. 

Goggans dedicated much of his life to serving his country. He was a flight engineer, an integral part of the flight crew primarily on the C-130 military transport aircraft, a vital asset to the U.S. military’s global operations. His technical expertise and unwavering dedication earned him numerous medals and commendations as well as the respect and admiration of his colleagues and superiors throughout his career. His work in the military took him on assignments across the United States, Europe and Asia. He retired at the rank of Senior Master Sergeant, having faithfully served his country 27 years, but in the years that followed, Goggans continued his service to the aviation industry and to his country, working for Lockheed-Martin in the Middle East for a number of years where he flew for the Saudi Royal Air Force, teaching US allies how to fly and operate the C-130. Goggans finished his illustrious career at Pemco Aeroplex as overhaul and maintenance director and as the director of test flights and air operations.

In his final years, he settled on a peaceful farm in Cumberland Furnace, TN, to be close to family. Surrounded by rolling hills and serene landscapes, he embraced returning to the slower pace of rural life, enjoying the company of family, friends and fellow church members. While he was not a farmer by trade, Goggans lived a farm life in his many years. Loved ones remember days spent together sitting under a large shade tree in front of the home. He was always at ease watching clouds pass or crops grow. His loyal dogs occupied his later years, with whom he would for hours play ball. While he worked on airplanes by trade, he was also at ease on a tractor or with a fishing pole.

Goggans was a longtime fan of the Alabama Crimson Tide football team. Joyful for the many championship years, but also loyal through many down ones too. He once related that he enjoyed the work of Willie Nelson more when Willie still had short hair. Though he would acknowledge some of the later hits were “pretty good” too. He often enjoyed gospel or religious music, and also country and western music. He was always quick with a joke to help lighten the mood. He was even known to slip a joke into a prayer if he felt it might uplift others.

He maintained a lifelong passion for ham radio, achieving the highest level of certification for amateur radio operators. He chatted daily with contacts from around the world who know him by his call sign KG4QKO. 

Goggans was preceded in death by his beloved wife, Annette Barber Goggans, with whom he shared many joyful years of marriage. They were deeply in love and, together they raised three wonderful children: Joanne Jones (Fred), Frances Harrison (Gordon), and Nathan Goggans (Nancy). He leaves behind nine grandchildren and ten great-grandchildren, all of whom he adored and cherished. He was a dedicated member of Friendship Church of Christ in Cumberland Furnace. His generosity, wisdom, and quiet strength made a lasting impression on everyone he met. In lieu of flowers, the family asks that donations be made to a veterans’ charity of choice in his honor. Goggans’ memory will forever be cherished by those who knew and loved him. His life of service, adventure, and devotion to his family leaves a lasting legacy of love and strength.

The funeral will be held at Spann Funeral Home in Dickson, TN on Friday, Oct. 25 at 4 p.m. The family will receive visitors from 2-4 p.m. 

The interment will be held on at Usery Funeral Home in Pell City, AL on Saturday, Oct. 26 with an indoor viewing option at 10 a.m., followed by a graveside service at 11 a.m.