Edward Mills Goodwin

OBITUARY

Edward Mills Goodwin, 83, of Wake Forest, NC, passed away on Wednesday, January 7, 2026.

Edward M. Goodwin was born in Oak Bluffs, Massachusetts, a vibrant town on Martha’s Vineyard, on November 1, 1942. He grew up in Reading, Pa. and graduated from West Reading High School in 1960.

Ed enlisted in the United States Coast Guard completing Officer Candidate School and achieved the rank of Commander. He received a degree in Professional Aeronautics from Embry Riddle Aeronautical University in May 1990.

Ed served in many different aviation assignments, however, his favorite was as a Search and Rescue Helicopter pilot. He culminated his career as the Executive Officer at Air Station Washington and was the pilot for the Commandant of the Coast Guard. Ed retired in 1982.

After retirement, Ed joined the W.R. Berkley Company as Director of Flight Operation for 20 years.

In 2010 Ed moved to Wake Forest. In 2021 he met his wife, Becky, whom he married in 2021. He was an active member of Crossroads Fellowship – Millbrook and faithfully served as an usher. He joined Bible Study Fellowship (BSF) and became a leader to men’s groups.

Ed is survived by his loving wife, Becky Brannen Goodwin, his daughters Connie Malago of York Springs, Pennsylvania and Victoria Goodwin of Middletown, Pennsylvania; his sister, Eleanor “Candy” Goodwin Bickel (Don); his sister in law, Eileen Goodwin; his nephew William Hoffman and Grant Goodwin (Megan) and his niece, Brigadier General Kristin Goodwin, USAF (RET.) (Traci); and extended family members. Even though his marriage to Becky was short, he lovingly embraced Becky’s family as his own, Chris Wood (April) and Keith (Susan) and grandchildren.

Ed was preceded in death by his parents, Edward Mills Goodwin, Jr. and Elizabeth Cowherd Goodwin and his brother Capt. Guy T. Goodwin, US Coast Guard (RET.).

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to Crossroads Fellowship – Millbrook (Missions) 2721 E. Millbrook Road Raleigh, NC 27604 or National Coast Guard Museum 15 Mohegan Avenue Parkway New London, CT 06320.

A celebration of life service will be held at 1 PM on Thursday, January 15, 2026 at Crossroads Fellowship Church, 2721 E. Millbrook Rd. Raleigh, NC 27604.

Please wear Red, White or Blue in memory of his love of country and 21 years of service in the US Coast Guards.

Please visit www.brightfunerals.com to share words of comfort to the family.

Bright Funeral Home is serving the Goodwin family.