Peter Goodbar

Pete, a longtime resident of Rustburg, VA went home to be with his Lord and Savior on May 26, 2024, surrounded by his family at Duke hospital in Durham, NC at the age of 67. 

Pete was born in Norfolk, Virginia on May 2, 1957, to Fremont Huffman Goodbar and Shirley Ann Martin, and was one of five children. He is preceded in death by his brother Larry Clingenpeel, but survived by his sisters Joyce Fisher, Jeannie Torrents, and Cindy Farrar. As a young man, he spent time serving and honoring his country in the National Guard. 

On April 21, 1984, he married the love of his life, Sheila Goodbar at Keystone Baptist Church in Lynchburg, VA. They shared a loving marriage and life together for 40+ years. Pete is survived by his wife Sheila, son Aaron, daughter Courtney, daughter in law Stephanie and three grandchildren Noah (8), Vivienne (6), and Charlotte (2).

He spent many years working as a mechanic and driving a wrecker in Lynchburg and at Waterlick Garage. Pete enjoyed serving families in his community for over 40 years, but what he loved most were the people he came to know and the connections he made. 

Everyone who knew him will remember his kindness, generous spirit, readiness to help, honesty, hard work, humor, quick wit, gentle soul, and that unmistakable voice. Pete was a simple man who would give you the shirt off his back and be the first one to help a friend in need. He would spend his free time and weekends working on other people’s cars to help them out while always delaying his own needed repairs and maintenance. 

He was a great friend and listener who was very easy to talk to. No matter how much time had passed, you could bump into Pete and pick up right where you left off with great conversation, genuine care and concern, and some quick comebacks or humorous one-liners. 

Pete loved riding motorcycles with friends and family, shooting guns, tinkering on repair projects, boating, and camping with his family. 

His crowning achievement in life was raising a strong family with his loving wife for over 40 years. Pete and Sheila were everything to each other. Sheila recounts that upon first meeting Pete, it was love at first sight. Pete was a loyal and dedicated husband to Sheila, and she thanks God every day for the husband Pete was to her and the father he was to their children.

Pete’s pride and joy are his two children Aaron and Courtney, and his three beautiful grandchildren. 

Pete was a strong, protective, and dependable father, who made sure his wife and children had what they needed, while never worrying about himself. He taught his children to love God, work hard, always walk with honesty and integrity, and most of all, “just be kind.”  He truly practiced what he preached in this life, and we know he will look down from Heaven on his family with pride as they continue to follow in his footsteps. 

As a child, Aaron loved working on cars with his dad and going to the garage on Saturday mornings. Aaron also enjoyed going out on wrecker calls and helping tow cars with his Dad. Pete coached Aaron’s baseball teams and spent days taking him to little league games throughout Aaron’s youth. Aaron and Pete’s shared love of fast cars and bikes continued through their lives when they would ride motorcycles together, sharing fond memories, laughs, and cold beers. Pete was a good friend to his son but never at the cost of being a better dad. Aaron will always remember how Pete knew how to lift him up and when to let him fall, which helped make Aaron who he is today. 

Courtney remembers her dad being loving, dependable and present. He was at every game, cheer practice and event, but most importantly he was her most trusted confidant. Pete would share life advice with Courtney on their breakfast dates every Sunday in Lynchburg at the Koffee Kup. Pete guided Courtney with wisdom without imposing his will, and empowered her to make her own choices. Even through tough decisions, Pete encouraged Courtney to pursue her dreams, urging her to embrace life’s opportunities. His words, still ring clear in her mind today, “youngin,’ go live your life.”  Those same words continue to inspire Courtney to live fully, and to be mindful of the uncertainty of tomorrow. 

All his children, including Stephanie, will miss his phone calls that were just to check in. After any kind of travel or drive, they could all count on a call from Dad to make sure they got where they were going safely. From the moment Pete met Stephanie, he made sure she knew that he considered her one of his children and that he was proud to call her his daughter. 

Every time Pete visited his grandchildren, he would bring them hot wheels cars and they would anxiously await his arrival each time. When he walked in the door, he would open his strong, rough hand to reveal a little colorful car and they would squeal with excitement. He loved to watch their faces light up as he handed them those little cars - it was just “their thing.” This gesture was very reflective of him as a grandfather: simple, small gestures, done with genuine kindness and love, and something they will always remember. 

Later in life, Pete boldly and steadfastly battled through cancer and other health difficulties. He stayed strong for his family and friends for years. His friend for over 44 years, Jeff Farinholt especially helped Pete and his family during this time. Through all the trips from Rustburg to Duke, Jeff provided a source of great support  and encouragement to his friend. 

On May 26, 2024, Pete’s battle was over, it was time for him to rest from his life’s work and health battles. He surely arrived in Heaven to hear, “well done, my good and faithful servant.” - Matthew 25:23.

Pete left this world too soon and he will be desperately missed by many, but we will always remember the immense love, sweet memories, and life lessons he left behind. 

Pete Goodbar, fly high, ride free, and rest easy. 

A family visitation will be held on Saturday, June 1, 2024, from 4pm to 6pm at Tharp Funeral Home, 220 Breezewood Drive, Lynchburg, VA. 

In observance of Pete’s final wishes there will not be a funeral service following the visitation. 

In lieu of flowers, you may donate to the Duke Sarcoma Center in honor of Peter G. Goodbar. 

DCI Sarcoma and Bone Cancers Fund: https://www.gifts.duke.edu/dukehealth?designation=3992000

Tharp Funeral Home & Crematory, Lynchburg, is assisting the family.