Herbert Michael "Mike" Gooch

Mike Gooch, 73, of Fort Lawn, South Carolina went to his heavenly home on November 22, 2017 after a courageous battle with cancer surrounded by his family at his home. His devotion to his family and his firm belief in God encouraged him in his fight and ultimately gave him peace. He was born July 31, 1944 to the late Andrew McIlwain and Mary Owens Gooch. Mike married his best friend, Sandra, on February 13, 1966. Mike was a wise and loving father to Larry and Kristy and an amazing “Papa” to Kelsea, Kendel, Drew and Abby.Mike was a faithful member of Fort Lawn Baptist Church, where he served as an Active Deacon, Sunday School Director and leader of multiple committees. Having a heart for others, he served with Campers on Missions and Disaster Relief. He was a self-employed auto mechanic and store owner of Gooch’s Service Station for over 20 years meeting the needs of the community. Mike retired as the plant superintendent for Chester Metropolitan Water District. He served the community as the Fire Chief of Fort Lawn Volunteer Fire Department for many years and also served on the board of the Elmwood Cemetery.Mike is survived by his wife, Sandra; his children Larry Gooch (Sandy), and Kristy Morrow (Tony); his grandchildren, Kelsea Godfrey, Kendel Godfrey, Drew Gooch (fiancé, Rose), and Abby Gooch; his sister, Frankie Cook (Gene); brothers-in-law and sisters-in-law, Frank and Barbara Gaston, and Herbert and JoAnn Murray; many nieces and nephews; and his longtime furry companion, Moses.His is preceded in death by his siblings, Annie Lee Sistrunk (Buster), Gene Gooch (Hettie), Ralph Gooch (Rachel), and Jackie Carter (Turner); and lifelong friend, Kenny Kirkpatrick.Visitation will be held at Fort Lawn Baptist Church on Saturday, November 25, 2017 from 1 p.m. to 2 p.m. Funeral Service will follow at 2 p.m. with burial at Elmwood Cemetery in Fort Lawn. Funeral will be officiated by Rev. Larry Gooch and Dr. Larry Linderman. The family will receive friends at the home of Mike and Sandra Gooch.In lieu of flowers, the family requests memorial contributions may be made to Elmwood Cemetery, P.O. Box 54, Fort Lawn, SC 29714.Lancaster Funeral Home & Cremation Service is serving the family of Mr. Gooch.Read Obituary