Walter "Walt" Goodman, Jr.

Walter "Walt" Goodman, Jr., born on August 7, 1956, in Florence, South Carolina, passed away on Saturday, February 21, 2026, at the age of 69 in Rutherfordton, North Carolina. A devoted member of the Baptist faith, Walt will be remembered not only for his hard work but also for his deep love for the great outdoors.

Walt dedicated over 20 years of his life to the City of Asheville as a mechanic. His contributions and his mechanical skills were appreciated by many who had the opportunity to know him. Outside of work, Walt found joy in the natural world. In his younger years, he embraced the thrill of hunting and fishing, but as time went on, he transitioned to a different appreciation for nature—watching, feeding, and capturing photographs of the wildlife that frequented his home. He notably enjoyed naming the deer that visited, which speaks to his warm and lighthearted personality.

Walt is survived by his loving sisters, Dianne Ball and her husband Jerry, and Sandra Goodman Anderson and her husband Rick, along with several nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his parents, Walter Fountain Goodman, Sr. and Mathel Fletcher.

The visitation for Walt will be held on Friday, February 27, 2026, from 6:00 PM to 8:00 PM in the Chapel of Anders Rice & Roper Funeral Home, located at 1428 Patton Avenue, Asheville, NC. A graveside service will take place the following day, Saturday, February 28, 2026, at 11:00 AM at Green Hills Cemetery, 25 New Leicester Highway, Asheville, NC, with Rev. Steve Rhinehart officiating.

Walt's gentle spirit and love of nature will remain in the hearts of those who knew him, and he will truly be missed.

Anders Rice & Roper Funeral Home and Cremation Center is honored to serve Walt's family.