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A Celebration of the Life of My Father

Joel Dayne Goss, Senior

October 6, 1937 – January 21, 2019

By Melanie Jane Goss Nelson

My wonderful Dad, Dayne Goss, passed away peacefully at the age of 81 years in the early hours of January 21, 2019.  Dad was born on October 6, 1937 in the community of Carmack, Attala County, Mississippi.  He was the 7th child of Carson and Elaine (Thornton) Goss.  Dad is preceded in death by his parents; his two brothers Trenton Goss and W. K. Goss; three of his sisters Emma Chandler, Olene Britt, and Marie Methvin; and his only son, Joel Dayne Goss, Junior.

Dad is survived by the love of his life, his wife of 60 years, Lou Ray (Poe) Goss.  Also by his sister, Wilma Kenwright of Austin, TX.  And also me, his daughter, Melanie Jane Goss Nelson, and son-in-law Gil Nelson of Spring, TX; two grandchildren: Cody Gilbert Nelson of Katy, TX and Jennifer Ray Nelson Heep of San Antonio, TX; and one great grandchild: Haylee Ray Heep of San Antonio, TX. He is also survived by a large and loving extended family including sisters-in-law, a brother-in-law, and numerous nieces and nephews.

Dad attended Minter City High School and Moorhead Junior College in Mississippi. He was a devoted Christian, husband, father, father-in-law, grandfather, great-grandfather, brother-in-law, uncle, neighbor and friend to all.

Mom and Dad were high school sweethearts who married on October 11, 1958 at the Schlater Baptist Church in Mississippi.  Dad made his career as a building materials Salesman, working for Bestwall and CertainTeed.  Our family moved to various cities in Mississippi and Texas throughout his career.  Dad was always a part of our school and extra-curricular activities.  He worked tirelessly on various church committees and was always available to lend a helping hand to those who needed one.

As anyone who knew my Dad could tell you, his life-long hobby was Genealogy.  He kept detailed records of both the Goss/Thornton family and the Poe/Robinson family.  He spent many hours combing through information, driving from place to place to visit distant relatives, making phone calls, and typing out his findings.  Dad organized many large family reunions throughout his life and was always ready to share the family information he collected with those interested.  I share his love of family history and intend to carry on his legacy.

Our family wishes to extend our gratitude to my parents' long-time caregiver – Sherrill Woods, and also         Dr. G. Martin Rossi, the staff of Traditions Hospice and the staff of Autumn Leaves Memory Care in The Woodlands for their support in Dad's final days.

I miss him, our conversations, his advice and his support.  But I carry with me wonderful memories of his undying love for his family, his friends, his church and his community.

In lieu of flowers, we ask for donations in Dad's honor to Parkinson's or Alzheimer's research.  We must find a cure.