Herbert Gene Goff, 75, of Harrisburg departed this life on Sunday, Sept. 6, 2020 in his home. He was born on Dec. 11, 1944, at his home in Harrisburg, the son of Collis Dreway Goff and Celia Rhea Johnson-Goff. He married Jo Ann Sills on June 3, 1966, and they enjoyed 54 years of marriage. A week after their marriage, he enlisted in the Btry C 5-206 FA in Harrisburg on Jan. 18, 1967. Then on Sept 15, 1983, he was released from the National Guard to the Army Reserves, 398th Chemical Co (SG) where he served a total of 25 years. He had a long and distinguished military history as a Citizen Soldier of the United States Army National Guard Reserves, whose service was characterized by selfless dedication and great personal commitment as a Maintenance Supervisor and Instructor. The Secretary of the Army reposed special trust and confidence in patriotism, valor, fidelity, and professional excellence. In view of his leadership, potential, and dedicated services to the army he was awarded several decorations, medals, badges, commendations and campaign ribbons. He enlisted as a Private First Class and retired as Master Sgt. He had a career of service dedicated to the United States Government as a Agriculture Food Safety and Inspection Service (USDA) for 29 years and retired on December 31, 2010. Herbert was an active member of the First Assembly of God in Harrisburg for over 50 years where over the years he served as youth leader, teacher, church Sunday school secretary, and as deacon. He enjoyed hunting, fishing, working in the yard, tinkering, sports of any kind, and most importantly, spending time with his grandchildren.
He is survived by his wife, Jo Ann Goff and their three daughters Michelle James; Melissa Wilson (Kenneth); and Misty Green (Todd); his sisters Peggy King (Milford) of Memphis, TN, Linda Jennings of Harrisburg, and Rhonda Britnell (Donald) of Highland, Arkansas; and his grandchildren Sara Terrell (Jason) of Madisonville, KY; Laura and Joseph Wilson of Harrisburg; Chance, Ceila, and Emilee Hanna of Harrisburg; Jordan, Emilee and Todd Green Jr., of Hornersville, MO; and Kaleb Hendrix of Harrisburg.
He was preceded in death by his parents, C.D. Goff and Celia Goff; his sisters Neva Sue Reeves (Luther) of Harrisburg, Carrie Brumley (Gerald) of Fort Wayne, IN, and Alma Whitlow (Buddy) of Harrisburg.
A private graveside service will be at Arkansas State Veterans Cemetery-Birdeye, Cherry Valley, Arkansas on Monday, September 14, 2020, with Rev. Eddie Passmore officiating.