Gerald Thomas Gooch

On Wednesday, June 17, 2026, Gerald Thomas Gooch, 85, of Kings Mountain passed from this earth to join his wife of 67 years.  Gerald was born October 12,1940, in Kings Mountain, Kentucky on Luther Gooch Road where he lived all his life except for a short stint in Muncie, Indiana.  He leaves behind four children, Pam (Bill) Smallwood of Berea; Dale (Yvonne) Gooch of Danville; Brian Gooch (Marlene Million) of Kings Mountain and Karen (Mark) Saylor of Kings Mountain. Gerald was very proud to speak of his nine granddaughters, Katie Smallwood McLain (Raymond), Elizabeth Ann Gooch (Josh Vineyard), Tess Smallwood (Taylor Lansdale), Sarah Sims (Jesse Horseman), Gretta Leigh Gooch (Ryan Jorgenson), Hayley Smallwood (Cody Kiser), Jessica Saylor (Nathan Love), Samantha Love (Justin), and Morgan Malone (Brandon); 13 great grandchildren.  He also leaves behind sisters, Linda Brown (the late Ranzy) and Maxine Abbott.  And many wonderful nieces and nephews.

Gerald attended Kings Mountain Elementary up to 8th grade. He was the son of Oren T. Gooch and Rebecca Watts Gooch who preceded him in death.  He was also preceded in death by his loving wife, Freida Tillett Gooch. Also preceding him was older sister Jackie Gooch Mason (Noah), younger sister Diane “Cookie” Gooch Stull (the late Denny), and infant siblings, brother Marion and sister Louise.

Gerald was a fisherman & hunting dog enthusiast.  He was a cattle trader and farmer.   He enjoyed flea markets & yard sales with his wife in search of brass collectibles.  He was dedicated to his church, Locust Grove Baptist Church.  He loved his farmland surroundings and porch sitting while listening to his beagles run in the fields.   He enjoyed all types of sports and was an avid UK Basketball fan.

He will be remembered fondly by all.

A Public Visitation will be held 11AM-1PM Saturday, June 20, 2026, at Barnett, Demrow & Friend Funeral Home.

A Public Funeral Service will be held at 1PM Saturday, at the funeral home.  Bro. Tim Jones will officiate the service.

Burial will follow in Pleasant Point Cemetery. Gerald’s granddaughters will serve as Active Pallbearers.  Gerald’s great-grandchildren will serve as Honorary Pallbearers.

Memorial Contributions suggested to Locust Grove Baptist Church.

Gerald’s children wish to thank all that have visited with our dad, sharing stories and special treats.   A very special thank you to Belinda Luttrell, Rosie Stull, Ally Salyers and Gretta Gooch for the nights & days spent chatting which was one of his favorite things.

Barnett, Demrow & Friend Funeral Home, Waynesburg, is entrusted with Gerald’s arrangements.  Guest Book at www.friendfuneralhomes.com.

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