2025 SESSION
ENROLLED
SENATE RESOLUTION NO. 233
Celebrating the life of Harold Alvin Goodman, Sr.
Agreed to by the Senate, February 6, 2025
WHEREAS, Harold Alvin Goodman, Sr., of Portsmouth, a champion for civil rights who made numerous contributions to the residents of Hampton Roads as a volunteer leader and a passionate advocate, died on January 24, 2025; and
WHEREAS, Harold Goodman grew up in Norfolk, where he graduated from Booker T. Washington High School; and
WHEREAS, Harold Goodman supported national defense by working as a boilermaker at Norfolk Naval Shipyard for 33 years; during that time, he initiated a successful legal challenge when he was passed over for a promotion to general foreman, then used that experience to help other employees better advocate for themselves in the workplace; and
WHEREAS, Harold Goodman was committed to social justice throughout his life, and in 1988, he took a stand against racial segregation at a segregated golf course in Portsmouth that had been operating on city-owned land for more than 30 years; and
WHEREAS, after his retirement from Norfolk Naval Shipyard, Harold Goodman pursued a second career as a real estate agent with Rose and Womble Realty Company and was always proud to help families achieve their dreams of home ownership; and
WHEREAS, Harold Goodman volunteered his time and talents to support many community organizations, such as Supporting Transformational Opportunities for People, and he was a longtime member of Portsmouth's Martin Luther King, Jr. Leadership Steering Committee; and
WHEREAS, Harold Goodman brought joy to others through his kindness, sense of humor, and boundless wisdom; he relished every opportunity to inspire others by sharing stories and life lessons; and
WHEREAS, Harold Goodman will be fondly remembered and greatly missed by his devoted wife of 34 years, Yvonne; his children, Keith, Loretta, Veronica, John, Natalie, Aaron, and Allen, and their families; and numerous other family members and friends; now, therefore, be it
RESOLVED, That the Senate of Virginia hereby note with great sadness the loss of Harold Alvin Goodman, Sr., a determined advocate for racial equity and social justice in Hampton Roads; and, be it
RESOLVED FURTHER, That the Clerk of the Senate prepare a copy of this resolution for presentation to the family of Harold Alvin Goodman, Sr., as an expression of the Senate of Virginia's respect for his memory.