Obituary of Ronny Lynn Goforth

Ronny Lynn Goforth passed away October 7, 2021, after a long and courageous battle with pancreatic cancer. He was a man of faith, a loving husband, devoted father, proud grandfather, and an accomplished businessman. Lynn was born February 29, 1944, to the late Dwight and Ethel Goforth of Olin, North Carolina. He is survived by his wife of 51 years, Susan Davis Goforth, two sons and daughters-in-law, Dwight Davis and wife, Kara, of Wytheville and Garnett Lynn and wife, Kara, also of Wytheville. Lynn is survived by five grandchildren: Karlynn, Charlie, Lily, Tallie, and Gray Goforth. Also surviving are two sisters: Sue Goforth Hedrick of Statesville, North Carolina, and Deborah Goforth Traylor and husband, Steve, of Duncan, South Carolina. Lynn is survived by his brother-in-law, John Garnett Davis, Jr. and wife, Robin, of Cumberland, Virginia. Several nieces and nephews also survive. Lynn graduated from Union Grove High School in 1962 and was awarded a football scholarship to East Carolina University on his basketball skills as Union Grove High School did not include football as a sport. As quoted in the 1964 Statesville Record and Landmark, “One of the chief reasons for the success of the East Carolina Pirates this season is Guard, Lynn Goforth.” During his football career as a Pirate, the team won three “Bowl Games”. Lynn came to Wythe County in 1967 as owner of Goforth Tractor, Inc. He was a tractor and implement dealer at Fort Chiswell for over 30 years. Lynn’s true interest was in farming. He successfully ran a dairy and currently a beef cattle operation. He partnered with his sons in G&G Livestock, LLC, a diversified cattle operation, buying cattle weekly and shipping throughout the Midwest. Lynn had a passion for commercially developing property and was challenged by turning non-productive land into useful farmland. He accomplished these goals both in Virginia and North Carolina. Funeral services will be held at 2:00 p.m. Thursday, October 14, 2021 at the Grubb Funeral Home with The Reverend Dr. Cindy Privette and Reverend Hugh Matlack officiating. Interment will follow in the Crockett’s Cove Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, the family request that donations be made to the charity of your choice. There will be no visitation at the funeral home. Online condolences can be sent to the family at www.grubbfuneralhome.com The Goforth family is in the care of Grubb Funeral Home.