Paul James Gooden, age 81 of Erin, TN, passed away June 1, 2023 at Horizon Medical Center in Dickson, TN.

   A Celebration of Life Service will be held 2:00 p.m. Sunday, June 4, 2023 at the Chapel of Nave Funeral Home with Bro. Tony Baggett officiating. Burial will follow in Cedar Valley Cemetery with full military honors.  

   The Gooden family will receive friends on Sunday from 10:00 a.m. until the hour of service Sunday afternoon.

   Paul entered this life on July 26, 1941 in Indian Mound, TN, son to the late Eugene and Bertha Oliphant. Paul faithfully served his country in the United States Army where he served along the Fort Campbell 101st Airborne Division. After his military service, Paul became employed with TVA where he would later retire after 30 plus years of service. Paul was a faithful member of Peach Grove Church and served on the Erin City Council. He was an intricate part of the City Council having served as an alderman since 1996 and Vice Mayor since 2013. He will be greatly missed by his family and his community.   

   Survivors include his loving wife of 58 years, Patricia Ann Gooden; children, Tim (Becky) Gooden, Leanne (Mike) Loeffler, and Brett Gooden. Paul also leaves behind his precious grandchildren, Drew (Rachel) Gooden, Lawson Gooden, Dakota (Laura) Gooden, Chase Hardin, Sydney (Cole) Hardin, Whitney Gooden, Hunter Gooden, Reece Gooden, Logan Thurman; great-grandchildren, Asher, Madi, Dani, and Genesis.  

   Serving as pallbearers will be Tim Gooden, Drew Gooden, Lawson Gooden, Dakota Gooden, Chase Hardin, and Hunter Gooden.

   Arrangements are in the care of Nave Funeral Home, (931) 289-4277, NaveFuneralHomes.com.