Willie Reed Goza, Jr.

Willie Reed Goza, Jr., was born into time on July 28, 1933 in Curtis, Arkansas to Willie Reed, Sr., and Florene Mitchell Goza. Willie was a graduate of Peake High School and a member of Mt. Friendship Baptist Church in Curtis, Arkansas. On August 27, 1953 at the age of 20 he enlisted in the United States Army and was a veteran of the Korean War. He later moved to New York where he worked as a school and tour bus driver for several years. “Dickey” as he was lovingly called had a passion for cooking. He was known as the “King of Barbeque”. His hobby was talking; he would spend countless hours talking to friends and family. Willie was a trusted friend and never met a stranger. He was known by his close friends as the “Generation Gap” and “Pops”. We will miss him, but mingled with the sorrow have been smiles and laughter because all our memories of him are wonderful and full. He was born into eternity on February 22, 2014. He was preceded in death by his parents and a granddaughter, Shana Lee Laster. Though he is no longer with us in body, his irreplaceable presence will be deeply missed. He leaves to forever cherish his memory; his wife of 35 years, Annie L. Thaxton Goza; six children, Darrell Goza of New Jersey, Kim (Alonzo) Cotton of New Jersey, Saundra (Curtis) Williams of New York and Sesanii Goza Jones of New York, Sybill McFarlane of North Carolina and Jodi Goza of North Carolina; one brother, James (Lorraine) Goza of Kansas City, MO; one brother-in-law, George (Betty) Thaxton of Blanch, North Carolina; eight grandchildren; eleven great-grandchildren; and a host of nieces, nephews, cousin and numerous friends. The last farewell will be held on Thursday, March 6, 2014 at 2:00 p.m. at Mt. Friendship Baptist Church with Rev. Henry Bell officiating. Interment will be in Friendship Cemetery.