Alan Gilmore Goldman

Alan Gilmore Goldman, 81, died March 31, 2017. Born May 19, 1935, in East Chicago, IN, he was the son of the late Irvin and Georgia (Battles) Goldman.

During his years at East Chicago Roosevelt High School, Alan first developed his love of music as part of a trumpet trio.

Alan then spent four years in the Air Force, working as a radar technician on U2 spy planes during the height of the Cold War. While serving at stations in Kansas, England and Turkey, he acquired another lifelong interest: travel.

Alan graduated from the University of Kansas and received his master's degree in psychology at Indiana University. At IU, he played trumpet in the Marching Hundred band and soon met the love of his life, Joanna, whom he married in 1964.

In 1968, the Goldmans moved to Decatur, GA, so that Alan could work toward his doctorate degree at Emory University, which he received in 1973. The family moved from Chicago, IL, with sons Andrew and Christopher. Michael was born in Atlanta.

Alan became fascinated by soccer in the early 1970s, which at that time was just becoming more popular in the U.S. He coached many youth teams, always challenging his players to "hustle!" He also served as commissioner of the Decatur-DeKalb YMCA soccer league, and he began playing soccer himself. Although he got a late start, beginning at age 40, he made up for it by playing until he was 63.

After his retirement, Alan again displayed his talent and love for music. Blessed with a strong bass voice, he sang in the Emory Community Chorus and in the choir at Holy Trinity Episcopal Church in Decatur, where he was a member for 16 years.

He and Joanna traveled widely – from the Canadian Rockies to Machu Picchu, from the Firth of Forth to the pyramids of Egypt, from the Black Forest to the Dead Sea. Alan enjoyed helping with Holy Trinity's outreach ministry in Honduras.

Alan was an avid reader, a critical thinker with an inquisitive mind, and was dedicated to protecting and enjoying nature. He was a principal member of Holy Trinity's Green Committee and a key supporter of the solar panels installed at the church.

Alan is survived by his wife of 53 years, Joanna (Smith) Goldman; sons, Andrew, Christopher and his wife, Nancy, and Michael and his wife, Laura; and his grandchildren, Isaac, Clara, Felix, Walton, George and Heidi.

In addition to his parents, Alan was preceded in death by his sister, Dona Lu.

Alan's funeral service is on Saturday, April 8 at 11 a.m. at Holy Trinity Episcopal Church in Decatur, GA, with visitation there afterwards.

Feel free to leave the family your condolences via the guestbook provided.

Funeral Home:
A. S. Turner & Sons
2773 North Decatur Road
Decatur, GA
30033