Joseph Good

“Lightening” Joe Good, of Nickelsville, VA, passed from this world on Sunday, September 17, 2017 to spend Eternity with his Lord and be reunited with his lovely wife of 74 years and loved ones who passed on before him. Joe lived a long and wonderful life of 96 years. He was a member of New Bethel Baptist Church. Joe has 4 children, and 9 grandchildren and 13 great grandchildren. Growing up in the Snowflake/Taylor Town area of Southwest VA, he had a great many friends and family there who revered him, and who he dearly loved. He served in the U.S. Navy in the Second World War, traveling to North Africa before returning to raise his family with his beloved late wife, Margie. As young man, he was a farmer. He later worked at the Eastman-Kodak Co., from which he long been retired. From youth, he had a passion for old time and bluegrass music and playing fiddle. He taught himself how to play fiddle by ear. His nickname referred to the speed of his bow upon his fiddle. Amongst many other groups across the years, he was a member of ‘The Home Folks Band’, and also ‘Jimmy Smith and the Ridge Runners’. Once, he played with Ralph Stanley on the WCYB Farm and Fun time radio program. With various musicians, Joe performed regularly at The Carter Family Fold from 1972 to 2004. Notably across time, he won numerous first place prizes at local Fiddlers’ Conventions. His talent was so celebrated in this region, that he has a placard on display in the Birthplace of Country Music Museum, in Bristol, VA. He will be sorely missed by all who knew him. Joe was preceded in death by his wife, Margie Stallard Good; parents, Luther and Pearl Addington Good; brother, Eugene Good; sisters, Lotus Taylor and Louette Taylor. He is survived by sisters, Eilene Good Frazier and Ruby Good Scott; son, Bill Good and wife, Agnes of Kingsport, TN; daughter, Lana Lewis and husband, Willie of Nickelsville; daughter, Ginger Stallard and husband, Darrell and daughter, Patty Smith and friend, David Mann; 9 grandchildren and 13 great-grandchildren; along with several nieces and nephews. The family will receive friends at Gate City Funeral Home on Wednesday, September 20, 2017 from 12:00 p.m. to 2:00 p.m. with services at 2:00 p.m. with Rev. Wayne Baker officiating. Eulogy will be by Christopher Dula. The great-granddaughters, Corinna James and Rebekah Moody, will provide the music. Graveside services immediately following the services at New Bethel Baptist Church Cemetery, 1111 Big Moccasin Rd., Nickelsville, VA. Pallbearers: Kelly Lewis, Landon Stallard, Casey Good, Barry Moody, Jacob Lewis, Keith Salyers. Honorary pallbearers: Willie Lewis, Christopher Dula, Rayford Dingus, Danny Whited, Wayne Burke, and Darrell Stallard. Memorial contributions can be made to New Bethel Baptist Church, 1111 Big Moccasin, Rd., Nickelsville, VA, 24271. An online guest register is available for the Good family at www.gatecityfunerals.com. Gate City Funeral Home is honored to be serving the family of Joseph Good.