Obituary of Frank G. Goodlett

<b>Obituary</b> SALVISA - Frank G. Goodlett, 66, passed on to heaven's kingdom, Thursday, June 6, 2013 at the Hospice of the Bluegrass Unit at St. Joseph Hospital in Lexington following a long illness. Born in Mercer County on September 28, 1946, he was the son of the late Frank and Mary Margaret Goodlett and one of fourteen children. He was an accomplished plumber, carpenter, and handyman, often helping family and friends with remodeling and building projects. He was employed by the Commonwealth of Kentucky for 32 years, serving in different capacities at the Kentucky State Hospital in Danville and in supervisory positions in Facility and Property Management in Frankfort and Louisville. Notable achievements include his work on the transition of the KY State Hospital to the Northpoint Corrections Facility and on the restoration project of the LN building in Louisville. He, along with his wife, were the owners and operators of the Royal Acres family farm. He was a gifted and talented musician, playing guitar and dobro for numerous bluegrass bands including The Bluegrass Kentuckians, Bluegrass Inc., Courthouse Square, Shades of Grass, and Royal Blue. His musical abilities were further enriched by his remarkable lead and harmony vocals. Early in his musical career, he was employed by the Renfro Valley Barn Dance in Mt. Vernon, Aunt Maudie's in Cincinnati, OH, and toured with the Grand Ole Opry Road Show. He often performed his own renditions of George Jones songs at Chimney Rock Campground events. Throughout his life he was featured on many recording projects and often performed many original songs which he wrote. His chronicled musical legacy will live on and be treasured gifts for those who loved and knew him. He is survived by his loving wife, Emma Dell (Royalty) Goodlett; his daughter, Karen Maxfield; son-in-law, Ric Maxfield and #1 grandson, Phillip Maxfield all of Salvisa, brothers Harold (Margaret) Goodlett and David Goodlett of Harrodsburg and Kenneth (Goldie) Goodlett of Versailles, sisters Brenda Goodlett, Rachel Goodlett and Opal (Virgil) Raley Payton of Harrodsburg, many other family members and dear friends and his two special dogs, Ginger and Harlan who were always at his side. He is preceded in death by two grandsons, Robert Lewis and Francis Kyle Maxfield; brothers, Donnie Goodlett, Kenneth Raley, Bill Raley, James "Frog" Raley, Paul Goodlett, and James Goodlett; and sister, Imogene Goodlett Perry. <b>Funeral Information</b> Fr. Peter Doddema will officiate a remembrance service and scattering of ashes beginning at 2:00 PM on Saturday, June 15, 2013 at the Goodlett's residence, Royal Acres Farm, located at 1403 Bondville Rd. Salvisa, KY. A Celebration of Life Gathering will follow the service and family, friends and bluegrass musicians are invited to attend and rejoice his life and legacy.