Davis Kent Goforth

Davis Kent Goforth, 78, died on Saturday, December 21, 2024, at home with family by his side. Davis was born December 15, 1946, in Marion, North Carolina, the son of William Jennings and Doris Inez (Bennett) Goforth.

Davis graduated from Shortridge High School class of 1965. At Shortridge he played varsity baseball and was on the Executive Board of the Future Business Leaders of America. Following graduation, Davis served in the United States Air Force during the Vietnam War from April 8, 1966, to December 15, 1969, with the rank of Sargeant. He was stationed in Alaska. Davis attended Indiana University and graduated with a Bachelor's Degree in Accounting on May 13, 1990. He worked for many years as a district manager for various companies including Snap-On Tools and Quality Dairy in Michigan. 

Davis enjoyed reading, watching TV, and traveling back to North Carolina and to Michigan. In his younger years, Davis was an avid bowler. He would carry his bowling ball to the bowling alley before he was old enough to drive. He also was a paper carrier at a young age on his bicycle throughout the streets of Noblesville. 

When Covid hit, Davis decided to be a free spirit and let his hair and beard grow. He accomplished having a ponytail which the grandkids thought was cool. Eventually the ponytail went away, but the beard remained and became his new look. 

A sweet story of Davis was that in the last several months of his illness, he became obsessed with Tootsie Roll Pops. To be specific, orange Tootsie Roll Pops. To keep up, Beverly found on Amazon that they could be purchased by flavor and in 50 count bags! Davis was delighted and always excited when receiving a new delivery. Teresa put some on a recurring monthly delivery for him! Over the course of time, the Tootsie Roll Pops became a special treat for all who came to see him. Each visitor left the house with one or two in hand.

He was preceded in death by his parents; and brother, Stanley Goforth. 

Davis is survived by his loving wife, Beverly (Hiatt) Goforth; son, Guy (Gina) Goforth; daughter, Teresa (Alex Mann) Goforth; step-daughters, Dorothy (Daniel) Singleton and Sarah (Kyle) Musgrove; step-son, David (Gunyalee) Ruell III; brother, Roger Goforth; sister-in-law, Elaine Goforth; 13 grandchildren, 7 great grandchildren, and 1 great great grandchild. 

The grandchildren all loved the candy by Papaw’s recliner, especially the spice drops and Tootsie Roll Pops. One of the granddaughters even named her kitten Gumdrop after Papaw’s candy. 

Davis’ request was for memorial donations to go to the benefit of homeless veterans. 

Donations may be made to HVAF of Indiana, Helping Veterans and Families: 964 N. Pennsylvania St. Indianapolis, IN 46204, 317-951-0688. To make an online donation go to https://www.hvafofindiana.org/  

 A Celebration of Life for Davis will be held at a later date.