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Monday, July 13, 2026
10:00 - 11:00 am (Eastern time)
Monday, July 13, 2026
11:00 - 11:30 am (Eastern time)
Joel Goldman, known to many as "JoJo," a title bestowed upon him by his adoring grandchildren passed away peacefully on Thursday July 9th leaving behind a legacy of hard work, good humor, and an opinion on absolutely everything.
Joel was born on September 5, 1942, in Georgetown, South Carolina, and grew up in Helena, Arkansas, where he no doubt developed the stubborn streak and quick wit that would define him for the rest of his life. He proudly served his country in the United States Air Force, completing his Basic Training before being assigned to the 753rd Radar Squadron Station in Sault Ste. Marie, Michigan. Joel was fond of joking that he might have made a career in the Air Force, if only they hadn't stationed him there.
After his discharge, Joel returned to South Carolina, where he worked alongside his father and brothers, learning the value of hard work and family loyalty early on. He later moved to Pawleys Island, SC, continuing to work and raise his family along the coast he came to love. Eventually, he returned to his roots, working , building, and repairing industrial equipment in Ward, SC. This is where he met and married the love of his life, the late Naomi Hallman Goldman.
When he wasn't working, Joel could usually be found puttering around the house, tools in hand, thoroughly convinced that there was nothing broken that couldn't be fixed. He loved to fish, was a fierce competitor at cards (Phase 10 above all), and was never one to shy away from a spirited political debate. Whether you agreed with him or not, you were going to hear about it.
Joel was preceded in death by his parents, Lee and Jean Goldman, and his beloved wife, Naomi Hallman Goldman.
He is survived by his sister, Catherine Sutherland of Raleigh, NC; his brothers, Howard (Joan) Goldman of Lynchburg, SC, and Lee (Rose) Goldman of Florence, SC; his daughters, Melissa Valenzuela (Pedro) of Pawleys Island, SC, and Monica Ridgeway (Mark) of Charlotte, NC; and his son, Joel Goldman Jr. (Sarah) of Spartanburg, SC. He also leaves behind four grandsons, two granddaughters, one great-granddaughter, and a host of nieces and nephews. Joel is further survived by countless friends whom he considered family.
JoJo lived a full life of service, hard work, and devotion to the people he loved. He will be deeply missed, fondly remembered and quoted often .
A visitation will be held from 10AM-11AM, Monday, July 13, 2026 at Johnston Methodist Church, 471 Lee St. Johnston, SC with service to follow in the church. Burial will take place following the service at Sunset Gardens Memorial Cemetery in Johnston SC. The family will hold a reception at Riley's on Main in Johnston at 1PM.
Johnston Methodist Church
Johnston Methodist Church
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