Carl Goodbar

Carl E. Goodbar, Jr, aged 75, of Cumming, GA, passed away on Thursday, December 14, 2023, peacefully in his sleep at home. Prior to his death, Carl had many, complex health issues related to multiple chemical exposures from both Agent Orange and Camp LeJeune contaminated drinking water.

Carl was born on January 21, 1948 and grew up in Buena Vista and Lexington, VA. He is
proceeding in death by his parents, Carl E. Goodbar, Sr. and Estelle Staton Goodbar Burns, his step-father, George Burns and his loyal Service Dog, Levy IV.

Arrangements are coordinated by McDonald & Son Funeral Home in Cumming. Visitation will be held on Thursday, January 4th from 9-10 am followed by a Chapel service from 10-11. Graveside service and inurnment will be held at 12:30 pm at the Georgia National Cemetery, 1080 Scott Hudgens Rd, Canton, GA 30114. Lunch following the graveside service will be held at Oakdale Baptist Church Fellowship Hall, 200 Oakdale Rd., Canton, GA 30114.

After graduating from high school, Carl enlisted in the United States Marine Corps, where he attained the rank of Sergeant. Being a High Expert Marksman and a sniper, Carl served 2 tours of front-line combat duty in Vietnam and was wounded twice. He was featured, in a Vietnam combat photo, on the cover of the July, 1966 Guns magazine. Upon returning from Vietnam, he was stationed at Henderson Hall at the Pentagon. On completion of his military service, Carl became a U.S. Secret Service Agent, serving 4 years under President Richard Nixon. Initially assigned to Executive Protective Service, he later became a Secret Service Special Agent Firearms Instructor. During this time, Carl won many National Firearms Championships, in competitions among elite personnel in top-tiered governmental agencies. He attended many specialized schools and training through national agencies, including the Secret Service, DOD, DOJ, US Treasury, National Intelligence Academy, FBI, DEA, ATF, International Narcotics Enforcement, International Association of Chiefs of Police, as well as through the GBI and the Southeastern Police Officers Association to name a few! Carl was the recipient of many military awards as well as other honors throughout his law enforcement career, including being named the 1990 Law Enforcement Officer of the Year by the Gwinnett Bar Association.

In the mid-1970’s Carl moved to Atlanta to fulfill his childhood dream of becoming a Police Officer. Carl served 32 years as a Peace Officer, working first for DeKalb County Sheriffs Department and then Gwinnett County Police. He ended his law enforcement career at Gwinnett Sheriffs Department, where he achieved the rank of Major. His duties in law enforcement included Motors, K-9, Narcotics and later Instruction and Administration, including Operations over the SWAT Team and Warrant Service. He was appointed Retired Assistant Chief by his long-time friend, Gwinnett County Sheriff Keybo Taylor.

The favorite part of Carl’s career was serving 17 years in Narcotics and as an Undercover Narcotics Agent. He was known through the state of GA for his work, and was considered a state “expert” at the time, in relation to search and seizure, gangs and narcotics trafficking.

When asked what he liked the best about his law-enforcement career, Carl would always say “working directly with the people”. He was always a champion for the underdog and he truly did enjoy helping people with their problems. Being a Combat Veteran, he had a passionate heart and respect for all Veterans, current military personnel, police officers and anyone who served in public service.

Carl had a life-long love of guns, being taught to shoot at an early age by his Father, and enjoyed shooting and deer hunting. He also loved riding Harley motorcycles. He was the Cofounder, a past club officer and was a Life Member of the Nam Knights of America Motorcycle Club in Georgia. The mission of this group is to support Vietnam Veterans, Veterans of other wars and conflicts, and Police Officers.

Carl is survived by his wife, Desiree Goodbar; his former wife and special friend, Tracy
Goodbar; his 2 sons, Kyle Goodbar and wife Brandi, Ty Goodbar and wife Katie; his daughter, Kari Goodbar; his 3 stepsons, Quentin Buquoi and wife Julie, Shelby Buquoi and wife Stephanie, Matthew Buquoi and wife Amber. He had 5 grandchildren: Kolton, Brody, Silas, Boone and Huck Goodbar; 9 step-grandchildren: Madison, Carter, Burkleigh, Brayden, Ethan, Nicholas, Charlotte and Zoe Buquoi and Amos Johnson; his sister, Cheryl Thayer, her husband Gus and 3 nephews Logan, Thomas and Elijah Thayer; as well as his current Service Dog, Hanson II.

Pallbearers are Ric Rollison, Head Pallbearer, Ric Poteat, Assistant Head Pallbearer, Sheriff Keybo Taylor, “Lt. Dan” Van Asperen, Charlie Bishop, John Latty, Rick Hyman, Dennis Thun, Jerry Graham, Jeff Covert, David Ricketts, all of Carl’s grandsons and step-grandsons, and his current Service Dog, Hanson.

Particular thanks to all the professionals who have helped care for Carl over the years,
including the ATL VA, Oakwood VA, his Home Health Aides Isadora Rivera, Alyssa Lewis,
Amber Resner and Petra Resner. Special thanks to the numerous family and friends who have assisted in Carl’s care throughout the years, by visiting, phone calls, texts to check on him, running errands, and most importantly providing friendship, love, and companionship to Carl.

Donations may be made to CCI: Southeast Region Canine Companions for Independence, with donations directed to their Veteran Initiative Program. Contact is Greg Zbylut, Director of Philanthropy, 407-522-3300. Mailing is Southeastern Region CCI, c/o Veterans Initiative Program, 8150 Clarcona Ocoee Road, Orlando, FL, 32818. Alternately, donations can be made to: PTSD Foundation of America, www.ptsdusa.org for donations.