James A. Goolsby

James A. Goolsby, age 91, of Naylor, Georgia died Wednesday, March 13, 2019 at Fellowship Home at Brookside, Valdosta, GA. He was born November 14, 1927 in Lowndes County, GA at the family home. He was the son of William L. Goolsby and Maude Formy-Duval Goolsby. He was a member of Good Hope Baptist Church, a graduate of Lanier County High School and Georgia Southern University, Statesboro, GA with a Bachelors Science degree and a Specialist Degree in Education from the University of Georgia, Athens, GA. Mr. Goolsby was a veteran of the Korean Conflict, 1950-52. He retired after a career of 38 years as a public-school teacher and administrator, 1946-87. His last position was as the Assistant Superintendent for Instruction, Lowndes County Public Schools. He was involved in the consolidation process of all schools in Lowndes County from 1959-69. In addition, he worked on the design of curriculum and instruction to assist in the goal of creating a comprehensive high school for Lowndes High in 1972. Mr. Goolsby was a charter member of the Valdosta Chapter of Phi Delta Kappa, a member of the Elks Lodge, and the American Legion. A conservationist and naturalist he enjoyed the simplicity of life. Mr. Goolsby was predeceased by three brothers Robert P. Goolsby, Lt. Col., Hudson Goolsby and Jack Duval and a sister, Sarah Clegg Dillon.
He is survived by three nieces Diane Revels (Russ), Kathryn Holsinger (William), and Sarah “Sally” Patch, four great nieces, two great nephews and four great-great nephews.
Graveside services will be held at the Good Hope Cemetery at 3:00 PM on Saturday, March 16, 2019. In lieu of flowers the family requests donations be made to Good Hope Cemetery Fund, 6758 Good Hope Cirlce, Naylor, GA 31641 or a hospice charity of choice. Messages of sympathy may be expressed online at www.musicfuneralservices.com . The compassionate and caring staff of Music Funeral Services, Lakeland is serving Mr. Goolsby’s family.