Clermont City Councilman Ray Goodgame, 85, passed away on July 28, 2019.
A Celebration of Life Memorial service will be held at 2 pm on Saturday, August 10, at the First United Methodist Church of Clermont, 950 7th St., Clermont, Florida 34711. Refreshments will follow in the church social hall. The family has requested that flowers and condolences be sent to Clermont City Hall, 685 W. Montrose St., Clermont, Florida 34711. His remains will be interred at Oak Hill Cemetery, at a later date.
Ray is survived by his wife, Judy; his son, Kenneth Goodgame, Phoenix, AZ; and daughter, Lisa Goodgame Skul, Downer’s Grove, Illinois; four grandchildren and one great-grandchild.
In memory of Council Member Ray Goodgame, the family would like to share that contributions may be made to Mike Conley Hospice House (Cornerstone Hospice & Palliative Care) or the MDS Foundation, Inc.
Goodgame passionately served the citizens of the City of Clermont for 15 years and was recently nominated for the Florida League of Cities’ “E. Harris Drew” Municipal Official Lifetime Achievement Award.
The Kings Ridge resident of 17 years was sworn into office on Nov. 9, 2004 from a Special Election to fill the unexpired term for Seat 2. His current term was set to expire in November 2019.
In an article written in the July 2018 issue of the “South Lake Tablet”, Goodgame proudly described Clermont:
“If you have recently moved to Clermont, know that you are living in the best-managed city any place,” “We have one of the highest-ranked Fire Departments around. Our Police Department is outstanding as well. Take a look around and study any other city and I believe you will find out you are living in the greatest city in the USA. Thank you for the privilege of serving as your representative.”
“Ray was a great supporter of the City of Clermont,” said Clermont City Manager Darren Gray
Goodgame has served as the past chairman of the Lake-Sumter Metropolitan Planning Organization, past president of the Clermont Historical Society, a member of the South Lake Transportation Task Force, a member of the West Orange-South Lake Transportation and Economic Development Task Force, a board member and liaison of the Cooper Memorial Library Association, a board member of the Community Foundation of South Lake, a member of the Clermont Kiwanis Club, a member of the Lions Club and a member of the South Lake Chamber of Commerce. He also served on the Tourism Development Council and on the Firefighters Pension Board of Trustees.
Goodgame has been a big proponent of affordable housing for seniors and has worked closely with New Beginnings. He has attended neighborhood watch meetings, praising the Clermont Police Department for its community efforts. He advocated for the city to become involved in a Feed Clermont program to donate food to hungry citizens by providing collection boxes and collaborating with local businesses and food banks. Goodgame also suggested a veterans monument for Clermont; implementing an incentive for local contractors when bidding on projects; and having the county provide more funding to existing parks and to purchase additional land for parks. He was honored by the Boy Scouts.
The councilman helped lead Lake County’s largest city through an exciting time of unprecedented business and population growth, as well as the adoption of Clermont’s award-winning $30 million Downtown-Waterfront Master Plan in 2015 and the city’s rebranding to Choice of Champions in 2014. He helped approve the recent annexation of the 250-acre Olympus Project into the city, which is estimated to create over 4,000 jobs and over $1.4 billion in economic impact.
During his time as a council member, the city has earned numerous awards, including Best Central Florida City to Live In, Best Central Florida City to Launch a New Business, Top 20 City in America for Retirees and Top 20 American Cities Leading the Way in Economic Development and Quality of Life.
“He will be missed. Our thoughts go out to his family during this difficult time”, said City Manager Darren Gray.
Goodgame, a native of Birmingham, Alabama, attended First United Methodist Church and was in a weekly men’s Bible study. The retired mechanical engineer and Army veteran earned his bachelor of science degree in mechanical engineering from Auburn University.
Ray was far more than a city councilman and community advocate. His presence will be missed.
