Herbert Lawrence Goodland
Calera

Herbert Lawrence Goodland, “Herb”, of Calera, maintained good health into his last year, passing away peacefully in his sleep at the age of 85 on Monday, April 4. He was born on Oct. 23, 1930.

From his teenage years, Herb loved adventure and learned to fly in high school. He joined the Navy and served four years, then went on to join the U.S. Coast Guard to make his career in aviation. Herb earned the rank of Chief Petty Officer, working as a metal smith and rescue hoist operator in helicopters. He was a real life hero, saving many lives in danger at sea, and transporting ship’s crewmembers in need of medical care to hospitals on shore.

During his Coast Guard career, his adventure and service crossed the U.S. He served in Kodiak, Alaska, Biloxi, Miss., Astoria, Ore., Ewa Beach, Hawaii, and finished his career and retired in Miami, Fla.

Herb took advantage of his military benefits, graduating from Hillsboro County Community College with a degree in Occupational Health and Safety, which took him to his second career at the VA Hospital in Tampa, Fla., as Safety Director. He taught fire safety, training all levels of the hospital staff. Herb also inspected nursing homes for patient safety in Tampa, St. Petersburg, Ocala and the Orlando areas.

Herb was predeceased by his wife, Alice Taylor Goodland.

His survivors include his daughter, Pamela Gayle Hartfield (Richard C.); son, Jeffrey O. Goodland (Glenda); grandchildren, Geoffery Alan Goodland, Ryan Lee Hartfield (Heather) and Crystal Gail Goodland; great grandson, Riley Cooper Hartfield; and a host of nieces, nephews and other family members.

The family will receive friends from 10-11 a.m., Friday, April 8 at First United Methodist Church in Alabaster, with a funeral service to follow at 11 a.m. at the church. A committal service with honors will be in the Alabama National Cemetery following the services.

Charter Funeral Home directing.