Mr. Willie James "Donnell" Goodyear was born on February 2, 1954 in Wakulla, North Carolina to the late Mr. Henry David Goodyear and Mrs. Argusta Pearl Goodyear.  God called him to his heavenly home on Tuesday, December 8, 2020.

Willie was united in Holy Matrimony to Betty Campbell Goodyear on June 26, 1976 and was the father of two daughters.

Willie began his spiritual walk with Christ as a young boy at First Missionary Baptist Church, where he was a devoted usher, a member of several choirs, president of the Pastor's Aide, a Sunday school teacher and a member of the planning committee for the current sanctuary. He attended the Public Schools of Robeson County, The University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill and The University of North Carolina at Pembroke.  He enjoyed gardening, giving back to the community and his North Carolina Tar Heels.

He was employed by the Town of Red Springs for over 30 years until his retirement. He made an impact on many children's lives during his tenure with the Town of Red Springs (especially when he was working with the recreation program).  Willie continued his interaction with the children of the community by working as a substitute teacher with the Public Schools of Robeson County after his retirement.

Willie is survived by his wife, Betty Goodyear of Red Springs, North Carolina; his daughters, Cassandra Goodyear and Crystal Goodyear, both of Raleigh, North Carolina; his mother, Argusta Goodyear, of Red Springs, North Carolina; his aunt, Carrie Leatherwood of Detroit, Michigan; his sisters, Zenovera Leak and Opal Leach, of Red Springs, North Carolina, Myra Broadnax, of Hope Mills, North Carolina; and Jolunda Coe (Jack), of Parkton, North Carolina; his brother, Anthony Goodyear (Yolanda), of St. Pauls, North Carolina; and a host of nieces, nephews, cousins, friends and in-laws.