Don Goff

Donald W. Goff, 76, one of Cleveland's most distinguished public school educators, passed from this life on July 14.Goff was known to his many friends and family as "Don". Thousands of children who attended local schools under his care knew him as "Mr. Goff"; to his daughters he was Dad, and to his grandchildren he was Papa. And to the multitude of families which were touched by his four decades of committed leadership in local schools, his name was synonymous with kindness and professionalism.Goff began his career as a public K-12 professional in 1968, when he began teaching grades 6-8 at Big Springs Elementary School, having graduated from Lee College only a few months earlier. From that beginning as a 22-year-old classroom teacher, Goff pursued an outstanding career which included becoming a principal of Big Springs and Trewhitt Junior High Schools. After that fourteen-year period, he served in the Tennessee Department of Education for several years. In 1990, he began what would become his defining role as principal of George R. Stuart Elementary, where he continued until his retirement in 2008.In addition to his B.S. degree from Lee, Goff also earned a Masters Degree in supervision from University of Tennessee-Knoxville. While a student at Lee, he was active in the Lee Singers and in Alpha Gamma Chi.Goff's reputation as a superb K-12 administrator was often recognized by his peers in the profession. He was elected as president of the Bradley County Education Association and president of the Tennessee Association of Elementary School Principals. He was chosen to serve on the Board of Directors of the Southeastern Association of Elementary School Principals and to the Tennessee Education Association Legislative Committee, among many other honors.Goff was a member of the Cleveland Rotary Club. At various times, he was elected to the boards of such organizations as the Tennessee Music Educators Association, Cleveland Day Care Centers Inc., and Junior Achievement in Bradley and McMinn Counties. He also was a faithful supporter of the Caring Place, serving as a board member and volunteer.He was a member of the Westmore Church of God.Goff is survived by Janie, his wife of 53 years, and two daughters, Natalie Goff of Cleveland and Melanie Coleman and her husband Curtis of Nashville. His two grandchildren are Cooper and Lillian Coleman. He is survived by his brother Wally, also of Nashville, and also by sister-in-law Nadine Goff and her children Ginger and Shelly Goff, and Jan Goff. Other survivors include sister-in-law Mary Deese and Delton, Linda Deaver, LaVonia Simmons, and several nieces and nephews.He was preceded in death by two of his brothers, Dale Goff and Jerry Goff, and by his parents, F. W. and Syble Goff, and his parents-in-law F.L. and Agnes Simmons, as well as his brothers-in-law, George and Frank Simmons.Goff was born in Yakima, Washington on New Year's Eve, December 31, 1945. As a minister's son, he moved to many places across the country before coming to Cleveland as a Lee student, where he continued to live throughout his adult life.Don Goff is remembered with admiration and love by thousands of individuals whose lives he touched.A Remembrance of Life Service will be held Saturday August 6, 2022 at 2pm at Westmore Church of God with Dr. Dewayne Thompson, Dr. Jeff Elliott, Dr. Ray Hughes Jr., Mr. Curtis Coleman and Pastor Kelvin Page officiating. The interment will follow at Sunset Memorial Gardens. The family will receive friends Saturday the 6th from 11am until 2pm at the church.Memorials can be made to The Caring Place, 130 Wildwood Ave., Cleveland Tennessee, 37311.Jim Rush Funeral and Cremation Services North Ocoee St. Chapel has charge of the arrangements.Read Obituary