Harold "Hal" Goans

Harold “Hal” Goans died peacefully at his home in Oak Ridge on Thursday, September 4th 2025.

Hal was born May 25th, 1936, in Clinton, Tennessee to the late Charles and Lillian Goans.

Hal served in the United States Air Force for 4 years. He met and married his wife Rita in 1958 during his time in the military. After his service ended, he worked for the Air Force as a civilian and traveled to several states with his family until they settled in Oak Ridge. Hal worked as an electrician at the Y-12 plant for 30 years until his retirement.

Hal was an active member of St Mary’s Catholic Church for over 50 years. He served the church in a variety of roles through the years. Hal held many titles in his life such as coach, referee, umpire, teacher, election worker, and handy man. But his favorite titles were dad, Gramps, Grandpa, and Great Grandpa. Hal was always there for his children, grandchildren, and great grandchildren whether it was driving his daughters on cold mornings to deliver newspapers, cheering his kids and grandkids at sporting events, helping with school projects and homework, or being the chauffeur to all events. As his granddaughter said, “He taught me the importance of just being present for family.” Whatever title you used- Hal was the cornerstone of the family and he will be terribly missed.

Hal was an avid athlete and sports fan, especially the University of Tennessee teams. He instilled the importance of teamwork, sportsmanship, cooperation, and fairness that sports provide. Hal never met a stranger and treated everyone he met as a new friend. Hal could engage with people no matter their age or life experience. He loved listening to and telling stories. Hal was honest and fair. He never lost his humor, curiosity, and love for a good argument!

Hal was preceded in death by his wife of 58 years, Rita; his parents, Charles and Lillian Goans; sister Carolyn Wright, and brother Paul (Louie) Goans.

Survivors include his daughters, Pamela Goans, Pat Parker (Leon), Pennie Elkins; grandchildren, Brett Parker (Tommy), Joe Parker (Melanie), Connor Parker, Brittany Matthews, (Kevin), and Riley Burn; Great Grandchildren, Grady Matthews, Cormac Matthews, Rory Matthews, and Chloe Parker; sisters Linda Benedict and Bonnie Davis.

The family will receive friends at 11AM Tuesday, September 23rd, at St Mary’s Catholic Church in Oak Ridge followed by a funeral Mass at 12 PM celebrated by Father Michael Woods.

In honor of Hal and his devotion to the dogs and cats in his life, contributions may be given to FORAS (Friends of Oak Ridge Animal Shelter) 111 Claymore Lane, Oak Ridge, TN 37830 or any local animal shelter or rescue organization.