Kenneth Ray Gooch

Kenneth Ray Gooch, affectionately known as "Gooch," was born on May 21, 1947, to the late James Jerrygold Gooch and Mary Hammie Parker in Vance County. He peacefully departed this life at his residence on Wednesday, January 8, 2025, leaving a legacy of creativity, resilience, and community service.

A proud graduate of Henderson Institute in Vance County, Kenneth furthered his education at the esteemed Howard University, where he pursued a degree in the medical field. However, his diverse talents and unwavering spirit defined his life. Gooch was a faithful "Jack of All Trades," but his most notable achievement was becoming the First Black Firefighter in Vance County, a role that exemplified his commitment to serving others.

In addition to his firefighting career, Kenneth was a skilled carpenter, leaving his mark on various prominent companies, including Clayton Homes and The Rogers Group. His artistic flair was evident in his work as a sculptor and artist, renowned for his hand-carved canes and intricate drawings. His unique creations found homes in North Carolina, Virginia, and Washington, D.C., where many cherished them.

Kenneth was preceded in death by his beloved parents, James Jerry Gooch and Mary Hammie Parker; three brothers, James Parker, Johnny Parker, and Larry Gooch; three sisters, Mary Elizabeth Perry, Mable Williams, and Irene Loften; he leaves to cherish his memories, his wife, Carrie Gooch, three daughters Kiziah, Aisha (Rebecca), and Syreeta Gooch, six stepchildren, Wanda Davis, Carmen Hayes, Erika Henderson, Tacrecia Terry, John Terry, and Christopher Terry, one sister Dorothy Hill (Clarence), one brother, Sylvester Parker, 14 grandchildren, 10 great-grandchildren, Caretaker; Iyesha Williams, and a host of nieces, nephews, cousins, other relatives, and friends.  

Rest in peace, Kenneth Ray Gooch. Your legacy of service and artistry will forever be remembered.

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