Willie James ‘Buddy’ Goings

Deacon Willie James “Buddy” Goings, 67, passed away on Saturday, March 7, 2020, at Grand Strand Regional Medical Center in Myrtle Beach after a second courageous battle with mantle cell lymphoma.

Buddy, also known lovingly to some as “Deac,” was born in Loris on July 13, 1952, the son of the late Willie and Kathleen (Hickman) Goings. In his younger days, he served in the United States Army from 1974 to 1981. Willie would then go on to work as a truck driver and heavy equipment operator. He would spend many years working at Blanton’s Building Supplies, but his longest tenure was with the City of North Myrtle Beach where he worked just shy of 20 years.

Midway through life, “Deac” renewed his faith in Jesus Christ. For most of the latter half of his adult life, Deacon Goings faithfully served the Lord at Flag Patch Apostolic Holiness Church.

Known to his grands as Papa, he was a stern yet loving father and a much gentler and even more loving grandfather. He loved to work on vehicles and plant in his gardens. Buddy did not know the meaning of sitting still.

Willie was preceded in death by his siblings, Virginia Goings, Willie “Sambo” Goings and Ernest Goings; and children, Kerry Gerald, Timothy Goings and Quincy Goings.

Willie is survived by the love of his life, Rose Marie (Robinson) Goings; children, Willie Walters, Cynthia Walters, Daniel (Josette) Goings, Ann Marie Goings, James Goings Sr., Crystal Goings and Kerzell Goings; 19 grandchildren; three great-grandchildren; his siblings, Phyllis White, Pinkie Mae (Isaac) Patrick, Faye Gilchrist, Mary Ann Rhone, Annie Jane (Arthur) Bellamy; and a host of cousins, in-laws, nieces, nephews and friends.

A homecoming celebration was held at 1 p.m. on Wednesday, March 11, at Flag Patch Apostolic Holiness Church in Loris. Burial followed at Flag Patch Cemetery.

Legette-Troy Funeral Home of Loris served the family.