Lee Edward Goddard, affectionately known as "Gramps" by his family, passed peacefully at
the Tennessee State Veterans' Home in Cleveland, TN. Lee passed into heaven on January
10, 2026, at the age of 88, following a long and courageous battle with Parkinson's disease
and kidney disease. Lee was a beloved son, husband, father, grandfather, and uncle.
Lee was born on February 6, 1937, in Winchester, Tennessee. He was preceded in death by
his loving parents, Edward Levi and Maggie Neal Goddard; his devoted wife, Gwendolyn
Rose Vincent Goddard; and his siblings, Sarah Edline Goddard Campbell, Elizabeth Frances
Goddard Delzel, and Margaret Belle Goddard Fuller. He is survived by his sister, Nora Jo
Goddard Campbell; his daughter, Kimberly Goddard Mitchell; his son-in-law, Brian Mitchell;
his cherished grandchildren, Evan and Lydia Mitchell; his granddaughter-in-law, Jaycee
Mitchell; and many precious nieces and nephews.
Lee grew up in Winchester, Tennessee, before moving with his family to Knoxville in 1943.
He graduated from Knoxville West High School in 1955 and went on to attend the
University of Tennessee, Knoxville, where he majored in electrical engineering and was a
proud member of the Tennessee Alpha Chapter of Sigma Phi Epsilon fraternity.
In 1960, Lee joined the United States Air Force, serving honorably as an Airman First Class
stationed at Edwards Air Force Base in California as a ground communications equipment
repairman. After completing his service in 1964, he began a long and fulfilling career in the
computer industry with IBM in Knoxville, Tennessee.
Lee married Gwendolyn Rose Vincent on December 31, 1965, and together they welcomed
one daughter, Kimberly. Their marriage spanned nearly 60 years, during which they made
their home in the Karns community of Knoxville. Lee and Gwen enjoyed traveling the
National Park System, numerous family-centered activities, and enthusiastically supporting
their beloved University of Tennessee teams.
Lee was an avid reader with a wide range of passions, including aviation, technology,
motorsports, American history, computers, gardening, the military, and politics. He found
great joy in sharing these interests with others. He especially treasured time spent with his
grandchildren, Evan and Lydia, eagerly taking them to museums, historical sites, zoos,
parks, and educational outings. Lee took immense pride in his grandchildren and never
missed an opportunity to support them at their extracurricular events. Lee's legacy is one
of unwavering love, strength, curiosity, and joyful devotion to his family. He will be deeply
missed and forever remembered.
The family wishes to extend their sincere gratitude to the dedicated and compassionate
staff at the Tennessee State Veterans' Home in Cleveland, TN for their exceptional care,
honor, respect and support during Lee's illness. In lieu of flowers, a donation can be made
by mail to Tennessee State Veterans' Home - Cleveland to support elderly and disabled
veterans. Note "for activities, in memory of Lee Goddard" in the memo line. Memorials can
be mailed to: Tennessee State Veterans' Home - Cleveland
1940 Westland Dr. SW Cleveland, TN. 37311