William Levi Goins

On Wednesday June 29, 2016 at the age of 86, William L Goins Jr. of Visalia, CA was called on his eternal journey. Bill as everyone knew him by, was born in Visalia CA on July 16, 1929 to William L and Blanche B Goins of Tulare, CA and joined the family with 2 older brothers and a sister. Bill was raised on the family dairy farm between the Visalia and Tulare area. He was a second generation to attend Liberty Elementary School behind his father. The Goins family now has its 5th generation enrolled in Liberty. He was a graduate of Tulare Union High School and would always sing the Hail Hail Tulare High Anthem. In 1949, he joined the Army and spent the next 2 years in Korea. Friendships formed there have lasted these past 65 years. Upon returning from his service, and at the urging of his father, he spent a short time in Northern California working on the Delta Mendota Canal. Bill decided to come back home to his roots, and with the help of his family, he started farming on his own. By the late 70's and 80's while still farming, he expanded by exporting cotton pickers and farm implements to Australia. He met many wonderful Australians and opened his home to many guests over the years. His family life started in 1956 when he married Barbara Johnson. They settled down on the home place and raised their two children for the next 20 years. In 1980, he met his true treasure in Wilma Hames of Fresno, Ca. and side by side they spent the rest of their lives together with love and happiness. This man was a friendly soul to everyone and always extended his hand to help. His heart was always generous and open. He loved his family with every fiber of his being, and in this game called life, he lived, had fun and loved every day. He is predeceased by his parents; two brothers, Orvis B Leland and Edward Carrigan; one sister, Charlotte Haddock; brother-in law, Harold Haddock; and sister-in-laws, Judy Kitely and Harrie Lee Carrigan. Surviving, to love and cherish his memory are Wilma Hames, her daughter Lavonta Kodman of Fresno, and son Kent Hames (Sharon) of Fresno and their six grandchildren and 15 great grandchildren; Bill’s son Charlie Goins of Visalia and daughter Cathy Huff (Glenn) of Visalia; grandson Charlie Goins Jr. (Jaime) of Visalia; granddaughter Melanie Hubbard (Jake) of Waukena; great grandsons, Spencer and Parker Goins; he was also Uncle Billy to nine very special nieces and nephews. Viewing will be held Monday, July 11, 2016 from 6:00pm - 8:00pm at Salser and Dillard Funeral Chapel in Visalia. Services will be held Tuesday, July 12, 2016 at 10:00am at Salser and Dillard Funeral Chapel in Visalia with a resting prayer at the North Tulare Cemetery. The family sincerely thanks every caring person that has touched, helped and assisted this kind man over the last 3 months and the care previously received by the Veterans in Fresno. In lieu of flowers contributions are welcomed to the Central Valley Vietnam Veterans P.O Box 1871 Visalia, CA, 93279. A memorial tribute may be offered by logging onto www.salseranddillard.com

William Levi Goins

July 16, 1929 - June 29, 2016