Marvin Wayne Goins

Marvin Wayne Goins, age 67, of Lynch, Kentucky, entered eternal rest on March 6th, 2024, after a long battle with cancer.   He was born on November 1, 1956, to Clarence and Dovie Doby Goins.

Marvin graduated from Lynch High School, Class of 1974, and was a proud citizen of the City of Lynch.  He always wanted to make his hometown better any way he could serving as city council member and later as Mayor of Lynch.   Marvin played a key role as a Kentucky licensed funeral director for Arthur H. Johnson Funeral Home for many years.  After Mr. Johnson’s passing, he helped Mrs. Johnson continue the funeral home for a short while, until she decided to retire and sell the business.  In 1989, it was reopened and remained as the Johnson Funeral Home.    It was then that Marvin helped restore and reclaim his place as manager for the funeral home, continuing to serve the residents of the community in their time of need.  His association with the owners continued when they opened Cumberland Valley Funeral Home

Years later he decided to take a new career path with the Harlan County Road Department where he worked for years until being promoted to foreman.  Just prior to retirement from the county, he returned to his beloved Lynch as the Director of Portal 31.  There he enjoyed the visitors, giving tours and sharing the heritage of this area. 

Outside his working career, he was a magnificent carpenter, and had a voice as soft as Elvis’ and could sing gospel hymns that touched your soul.  He was a dedicated, devoted, long-time member of the Lynch United Methodist Church, until the church closed.   He was a mason with Fields Lodge #832, F & AM.  He developed Parkinson’s Disease, where he battled daily just to perform simple tasks.  He loved to walk around West Main Park for exercise.  One day, while on a stroll, he met a stray dog, a jack-a-bee, which was in much need of a home and love.  Marvin, being compassionate and full of love, took him home and the two were inseparable from that day forward.   He called him “Buddy.”   

Marvin shared a connection with a lady that he loved more than anything.  The two dated for over forty years until they decided to get married on July 15th, 2020.  He was so happy and shared the news with everyone.  He was so proud to call Elizabeth Sue Jenkins Goins, his wife.

He was later diagnosed with cancer and required treatments that left him in a weakened state.  He missed being able to attend church, so he began watching the Blair Chapel Sunday services on Facebook live.  He admired and respected Pastor Rod Raleigh and was thankful for being able to hear God’s word, while trying to recuperate.   He was an avid fan of the University of Kentucky Wildcats.  He didn’t care if it was football or basketball, he was tuning in and cheering on his favorite team.  Marvin was a good, kind and loving friend and neighbor. 

He is preceded in death by his parents, Clarence Marvin and Dovie Doby Goins, brother, Jeff Goins, sister-in-law, Willa Mae Jenkins.

Left to mourn his passing, wife, Elizabeth Sue Jenkins of Lynch, Kentucky, his dog, Buddy, nieces, Ashley Goins Smith, Casey Goins Mason, uncles, cousins, a host of other relatives and friends.

Visitation will be held Sunday, March 10th, at Johnson Funeral Home beginning at 1 p.m. with Masonic rites.
Funeral Services will follow at 3 p.m. with Rev. Rod Raleigh officiating.

Burial will be Monday, March 11th, at the Monte Vista Cemetery in Cumberland, Kentucky at 11 a.m.
Anyone wishing to go in processional to cemetery, please meet at Johnson Funeral Home at 10:45 a.m.

Johnson Funeral Home is Honored to Serve the Marvin Goins Family and want to thank him for his many years of service in the funeral industry. 
His commitment to our firm and our community will never be forgotten. 
Go Rest High Good and Faithful Servant, Go Now and Reap Your Heavenly Reward.
We Will Always Honor and Love you.

To send flowers to the family or plant a tree in memory of Marvin Wayne Goins, please visit our floral store.