Danny Dowell Goodwin

DURHAM - The sunshine passed behind a cloud on Sunday, January 12, 2025 as Danny Dowell Goodwin passed away peacefully in his home surrounded by his loving family following struggles with his health. Danny was born at Watts Hospital in Durham on November 22, 1946 and left this earth 78 years young. He was the son of the late Sherron and “Monty” Goodwin. In addition to his parents, he is predeceased by his Sister-in-Law Patty Downey, Stepson Hunter Lavinder and Father-in-Law Dr. Wolfgang Karl Joklik. 

Danny was a Durham native and attended local schools including Brogden Jr. High School where he played football until a knee injury sidelined him, graduated from Durham High School in 1965, and attended ECU. Danny then joined the NC Army National Guard from 1966-1971. A career in Real Estate beginning in 1975 would be his calling under the mentorship of one of Durham’s most knowledgeable Realtors, Frank Ward. He served as an officer of the Durham Board of Realtors, active with the social committee which suited his personality quite well. He wanted everyone to have a good time! Later he opened his business, Danny Goodwin Appraisals. This year would have marked 50 years in the Real Estate business. Danny positively impacted his community with his volunteer work at the Duke Kids Klassic Golf Tournament for a number of years, in charge of the “Trashy Boys”, a position he took seriously enough to have earned him a Distinguished Volunteer of the Year Award. 

Danny was well known and loved for his quick sense of humor. Even during the recent holidays, while battling his illness, he was still making us laugh. He was a wonderful person and great to be with. He dearly loved his family and numerous friends. With his shock of white hair, he could be spotted at Parizade, cracking his jokes, filling the air with laughter, spreading his charisma! Whether having fun with friends on the coast boating or in the mountains, Danny was the sunshine on a cloudy day. His talent was his ability to make you laugh, whether you knew him or not. He never met a stranger. If you could call this a fault, Danny was the one who could not say “no”! He always put others before himself which is the true definition of a devout Catholic. When he met Mary he converted to Catholicism, often volunteering to be an Usher. Danny was a Legend, never to be forgotten. 

He is survived by his loving wife, Mary Goodwin, step-sons, Preston, of Durham, and Cameron (Carly) Lavinder of Greensboro; grandsons, Henry, Jackson and Beau; brother Wayne Goodwin (Liz) Goodwin of Hillsborough; Motherin-Law Pat Joklik of Durham; Sister-in-Law Frances Magruder (Jim) of Linville, NC and daughters Mary Beth and P. J. Roberson, and sons Trey and Chuck Roberson; Brother-in-Law John Roberts Downey (Betsy) of Richmond, VA, and their daughter’s Corbin Downey and Elizabeth Rand (Ben) and son Rob Downey (Taz); Sister-in-Law Vivian Joklik of Seabrook Island, SC and her daughters Larissa and Alina; Brother-in-Law Richard Joklik, daughters Judy and Ella; niece Lisa Goodwin Kaye (Steve) of Walltownship, NJ and their children Drew, Matt and Sarah; Nephew Chad Goodwin and his wife Becki Cleveland of Carrboro. Numerous family members whom he loved dearly will also carry his memory in their hearts, along with many loved friends and colleagues. 

A Visitation will be held on Tuesday, January 21, 2025 from 10:00-11:00 followed by a Funeral Mass at 11:00 AM at Immaculate Conception Church, 801 W Chapel Hill Street, Durham, NC 27701. 

In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be made to the Grandfather Community Foundation, PO Box 368, Linville, NC. 28646 to mail checks or visit their website, https://grandfathercommunityfoundation.org, to make an online donation. All monies received will go to Hurricane Relief in Avery County 

The family is being assisted by Hall-Wynne Funeral Service and Crematory in Durham, NC.