William Goodson III

William (Billy) Goodson, III was born July 11, 1961 in Monongahela, PA to Sue Ellen Byars and the late William Goodson, Jr.  Billy was the middle child of three children.  He grew up in Finleyville with his sisters, Candy and Lisa and a host of cousins.  This is where he learned the value of a loving, close knit family and also developed a strong work ethic.

He accepted Christ at an early age.  He was baptized at Mt. Zion Church in Library, PA by his late grandfather, Rev. Dr. Chester H. Byars, Sr.  He faithfully attended the church and enjoyed singing with the Mixed Mass Choir until 1990.  The next twelve years found him as a member of The Lord's Church of Pittsburgh, under the late Rev. Archie L. Dennis, Jr.  He was an active member of "The Faithful Men" and was privileged to minister with the  "Praise Team" because of his deep love of music.  In 2006, he was united in marriage to Alicia Arnelle Ellison and joined her in attending God's Re-Creation Christian Center (GRCC) under the pastorate of Overseer Priscilla Dixon.

Billy graduated from Ringgold High School in 1979 after which he earned an Associate's Degree in Architectural Design in 1982.  He worked part-time throughout high school at South Park Kennels.  In 1978, he began working as the Maintenance Engineer for the family business, Children's Paradise, while simultaneously holding other positions until 2006, which included Teller at Atlantic Financial Bank and Valet Attendant at The Colony Restaurant.  He eventually settled into a career as Warehouseman at Ohio County Coal Co. in West Virginia.  Billy performed his duties tirelessly and proved to be a devoted professional who was very much loved and respected by his co-workers for the past 24 years.

He had many beloved nicknames including Bill, Big Bill from Finleyville, Chad, Dad and "Cramp-Pa".  He always put God first, followed by family and friends.  He loved spending time with family attending church, playing board games, watching game shows, etc.  He was an avid basketball and ping-pong player as well as an outstanding bowler.  He demonstrated his real calling in life as "Role Model Dad" to Amber, Darris, Domanique, Bria Autumn, Amiyah and Jayden.  He was also Godfather to Monica Byars and Kameron Whiting.  He, along with his wife Alycia and children resided in Westmoreland County as "The Goodson Bunch".

Billy was called home to be with the  Lord on March 20, 2017 to receive his crown if righteousness, which he will place at the feet of Jesus.  Upon entering the heavenly gates, we know that he rejoiced as he was reunited with his Father, William Goodson, Jr; Grandparents: Rev. Chester H. and Beulah Byars; Aunt Joanne (Stanford) Whiting; Uncles: Chester, Reginald and John (Jack) Byars; Nephew, Stanley (Petey) Chapman; Cousin, Kimberly (Kim) Whiting and many other family and friends.

Bill leaves to cherish his memory: Wife Alycia; Daughters: Amber, Domanique, Bria, Autumn, Amiyah and Jayden; Son Darris; Grandson Judah William Ray; Mother Sue Ellen Goodson; Sisters: Coni Hainsworth and Lisa (Melvin) Hainsworth; Mother-in-Love Donna Jean Ellison; Aunts: Carol (Richard) Berryman, Sheba, Margaret, Ann, Pauline, Marlene, Joy and Renee; Uncles: Daniel and James (Debbie) Byars, Grandmother-in-Love Cora Irene Guest; Brother-in-Love Roy (Deidra) Ellison, Sister-in-Love Donita Sawyer; Great Aunt-in-Love Jeanette Tillman.  Not forgetting a host of close cousins, nieces, nephews, friends and other relatives too numerous to name.