Candy Lovely Obituary and Death Notice: The Unexpected Passing of Candy Lovely Woods Goodling Coates in Oak Ridge, TN—Beloved Mother, Grandmother, Great-Grandmother, and Devoted Church Member Passes Away on August 12, 2024, Leaving Behind a Legacy of Dedication to Family, Education, and Faith; Service to Be Held at Oak Ridge Baptist Church as Family Mourns Profound Loss
Candy Lovely Obituary and Death Notice: The Unexpected Passing of Candy Lovely Woods Goodling Coates in Oak Ridge, TN—Beloved Mother, Grandmother, Great-Grandmother, and Devoted Church Member Passes Away on August 12, 2024, Leaving Behind a Legacy of Dedication to Family, Education, and Faith; Service to Be Held at Oak Ridge Baptist Church as Family Mourns Profound Loss
The Oak Ridge community is enveloped in deep sorrow as it mourns the sudden and unexpected death of Candy Lovely Woods Goodling Coates, a beloved mother, grandmother, great-grandmother, sister, and dedicated church member who passed away on Monday, August 12, 2024. Born on April 12, 1942, in Chicago, Illinois, Candy’s passing has left a profound void in the hearts of her family, friends, and all who were fortunate enough to know her. Her life was a testament to unwavering dedication to her family, a commitment to education, and a deep and abiding faith that guided her through every chapter of her life.
Candy’s life journey began in the vibrant city of Chicago, where she was born into a family that nurtured her love for learning and faith. Her upbringing instilled in her the values of hard work, compassion, and a relentless pursuit of knowledge—qualities that would define her throughout her life. As a young woman, Candy’s path led her to Bob Jones University, a place where her faith would deepen and where she would meet the love of her life, Boyd Goodling. Their marriage, which spanned over five decades, was built on a foundation of mutual respect, shared values, and a deep commitment to teaching and ministry.
Together, Candy and Boyd raised seven children, dedicating their lives to nurturing not only their own family but also the many lives they touched through their ministry and teaching. Their marriage was a true partnership, one where both partners supported each other’s aspirations and worked tirelessly to serve their community. Boyd’s passing in January 2016 was a significant loss for Candy, but her faith and the love she had for her family and community gave her the strength to continue living a life of service and dedication.
After Boyd’s passing, Candy found companionship and love once more with Tom Coates, her second husband. Their marriage brought Candy joy and comfort during her later years, and together, they continued their devoted service to their church and community. Tom’s love and support were invaluable to Candy, especially as she navigated the challenges of aging and the loss of loved ones. Their time together was marked by shared faith, mutual respect, and a deep commitment to the values that had always guided Candy’s life.
Candy’s passion for education was one of the defining aspects of her life. After raising her seven children, she pursued a degree in accounting from Pensacola Christian School, a testament to her belief in the importance of lifelong learning. Her love for teaching and math led her to serve in various Christian schools across the country, where she impacted countless lives with her kindness, expertise, and unwavering dedication to her students. Candy was more than just a teacher; she was a mentor, a guide, and a source of inspiration to all who had the privilege of learning from her. Her influence extended far beyond the classroom, as she touched the hearts and minds of her students, leaving a lasting legacy in the field of education.
In addition to her professional achievements, Candy was known for her eclectic interests and vibrant personality. She had a particular fondness for collecting elephant figurines, a hobby that brought her immense joy and delighted her grandchildren. Each figurine in her extensive collection was a reflection of Candy’s love for life and her ability to find beauty in the small things. Her home, filled with these cherished items, was a place of warmth, love, and endless curiosity—a place where her grandchildren knew they were always welcome.
Candy’s hobbies extended beyond her collection of figurines. She was a talented seamstress, often spending hours sewing and creating beautiful garments and quilts for her family and friends. Her love for drawing house plans and her eagerness to learn new skills reflected her vibrant and curious nature. Candy was a woman who never stopped learning, growing, and exploring the world around her. Her creativity and passion for life were evident in everything she did, and she passed these qualities on to her children and grandchildren.
Candy’s greatest joy in life came from her family. She was a devoted mother to her seven children: Joel, Joshua, Matthew (Carolyn), Marci (Tim), Petra (Andrew), Titus, and Timberly. Her children remember her as a loving and supportive mother who always put their needs before her own. Candy’s guidance, wisdom, and unconditional love were constants in their lives, providing them with the foundation they needed to grow into the individuals they are today. Her passing has left a profound sense of loss in their hearts, as they navigate life without the woman who was their rock and greatest advocate.
As a grandmother and great-grandmother, Candy’s love extended even further. She was the proud grandmother of 22 grandchildren and 14 great-grandchildren, each of whom brought her immense joy and pride. Candy’s grandchildren remember her as a source of endless love, support, and encouragement. She was always there to offer a listening ear, a word of advice, or a comforting hug. Her home was a place of warmth and love, where her grandchildren knew they would always find a welcoming embrace. The loss of their beloved grandmother has left a deep void in their lives, but her memory will continue to guide and inspire them for years to come.
Candy is also remembered by her sister, Gail McMurry, and her brother, Duane (Glenda) Woods, as well as numerous nieces, nephews, and extended family members. Her siblings recall her as a loving and supportive sister who was always there to offer a helping hand or a word of encouragement. Candy’s passing has brought the family together in grief, as they remember the many ways in which she touched their lives. The bonds of love and family that Candy nurtured throughout her life will continue to hold her family together, even in her absence.
The Oak Ridge community, where Candy was a dedicated member of her church and a beloved figure, has come together to mourn her passing and support her family during this difficult time. The loss of such a beloved and respected individual has been felt deeply by all who knew her, and the community is united in its grief. Candy’s unwavering dedication to her faith, her family, and her community has left a lasting impact on all who were fortunate enough to know her, and her memory will continue to inspire those who knew her.
A service to honor Candy’s memory will be held at Oak Ridge Baptist Church, located at 1451 Bethel Valley Road, Oak Ridge, TN 37830. The service will be a time for family, friends, and the community to come together to celebrate Candy’s life, share their memories, and offer their support to one another. Candy’s life was one of service, dedication, and love, and the service will reflect the many ways in which she touched the lives of those around her. In lieu of flowers, the family has requested that donations be made to support Candy’s son, Josh, who has been caring for her at home for the past six years. These contributions will assist with settling her estate and help Josh during this challenging time, as he navigates the loss of his beloved mother.
Candy Lovely Woods Goodling Coates was a woman of great faith, love, and dedication. Her life was a testament to the power of love, the importance of family, and the strength of faith. Candy’s passing has left a void that will be felt for years to come, but her memory will continue to be a source of comfort and strength for her family and friends. The outpouring of love and support that has followed Candy’s passing is a reflection of the impact she had on the lives of those around her. As the family prepares to say their final goodbyes, they do so with the knowledge that they are not alone in their grief, and that the community will continue to stand by them as they honor Candy’s memory.
In the days and weeks to come, the Oak Ridge community will continue to support Candy’s family as they navigate the challenges of life without her. The outpouring of love and support that has followed Candy’s passing is a testament to the impact she had on the lives of those around her. As the family prepares to say their final goodbyes, they do so with the knowledge that they are not alone in their grief, and that the community will continue to stand by them as they honor Candy’s memory.
Candy’s legacy is one of love, compassion, and unwavering dedication to her family, her faith, and her community. Her influence will continue to be felt in the lives of her children, grandchildren, great-grandchildren, and all who knew her. As the Oak Ridge community comes together to honor her memory, they do so with a shared sense of loss and a shared commitment to ensuring that Candy’s legacy is remembered and celebrated. Her life, though it has come to an end, will continue to inspire those who knew her to live with the same love, faith, and dedication that defined her.
The Oak Ridge community, where Candy was a dedicated member of her church and a beloved figure, has come together to mourn her passing and support her family during this difficult time. The loss of such a beloved and respected individual has been felt deeply by all who knew her, and the community is united in its grief. Candy’s unwavering dedication to her faith, her family, and her community has left a lasting impact on all who were fortunate enough to know her, and her memory will continue to inspire those who knew her.
