Col. Ross Millard Goddard, USAR, Jr.

Col. Goddard, of Decatur GA, passed away early Tuesday morning.He was born June 16, 1927, to Ross Millard Goddard Sr. and Sue Mae Swanson in Atlanta, Georgia.Col. Goddard was a patriotic and altruistic humanitarian and spent his life in service to God and Country. He served in the military during WWII and Korean War as a Marine and in Vietnam as a Soldier. He gave 32 years of his life to the military and all of his life to helping mankind.While serving in the military he received numerous awards and commendations. He was a member of both 101st and 82nd Airborne Divisions. He earned the Master Parachutist Badge, a Purple Heart, and a Bronze Star. He retired from the U.S. Army after 32 years of service in 1975, with the rank of Colonel and returned home to Decatur, GA. After retiring from the U.S. Army, he continued to give back to the community. He was active in the Boy Scouts of America serving as Scout Master for Troupe 134, Decatur GA. For 20 years. He practiced law in his home town of Decatur, doing most Pro Bono work.Additionally, he was an active member of the 1st Baptist Church of Decatur. Colonel Goddard is survived by his son Matthew K. Goddard and his grandson Ross Matthew Goddard. Below is a statement from his close friend and relative Colonel Glenn Goddard:"COL Ross Goddard was my inspiration for joining the Army and committing my life to the service of our nation. He was more than a second father to me and in many ways I was closer to him than my own father. He was devoted to his nation and all the sacrifice that involved. He and my father were best friends in college and I considered him an Uncle even though all we shared was a last name by coincidence. I was so proud that he was the one who signed my papers commissioning me as an officer and, along with my mother, of pinning my "butter bars" upon my shoulder that hot day at Ft. Benning, GA. He was caring and stern, but in the manner that he cared to make you a better man. I still remember the long letters we would exchange as I went through basic training and Officer Candidate School where he would regale me on his time as a Marine Sergeant in the Korean War and later as a Black Hat Corporal at Jump School. He always wondered if he wouldn't have made a better infantry officer than a JAG and I have to agree that he would have been a grand old Colonel in the 504th PIR if given the chance. At least he did become the honorary Regimental Commander of the 504th in 2006 when I returned from my first tour and met him at Ft. Bragg. I know he was as proud of me as I was of him."Memorial Services are 1:00PM Sunday, January 26, 2014 at The Springs Funeral Services.His cremated remains will be buried at Ft. Logan National Cemetery in Denver, Colorado.Funeral Home:The Springs Funeral Services3115 East Platte AvenueColorado Springs, , COUS 80909 Events Service Sunday, January 26, 2014 1:00PM The Springs Funeral Services 3115 East Platte Avenue Colorado Springs, CO 80909 Phone: 719-207-8855 Cemetery Friday, January 31, 2014 1:15PM Fort Logan National Cemetery 3698 South Sheridan Boulevard Denver, CO 80235 Phone: 303-761-0117