Stephen Council Gooding

Dr. Stephen Council Gooding, born on Nov. 9, 1934, in Sylva, North Carolina, passed into the next life on the morning of  March 12, 2026, at the age of 91.

Dr. Gooding is survived by his wife of thirty-eight years, Rhonda McAbee Gooding; his three children from a previous marriage, Stephen Gooding Jr. (Martha), Deane Gooding Hiles (Jim), Michael Gooding (Shannon); five grandchildren; and seven great grandchildren.

Steve was the beloved son of the late Guy and Ella Gooding of Kenansville, North Carolina.  He was preceded in death by his sister Theresa Gooding McNairy, Guy Vernon Gooding Jr. and Sylvia Gooding Ray.

Dr. Gooding, an Obstetrician and Gynecologist, was deeply loved and respected by all who knew him.  He attended Davidson College and NC State University where he competed on the track team. Steve was in the ROTC program and after graduating he joined the US Air Force where he became a jet pilot. He loved flying and continued to fly well into his 80s.  After the Air Force he was accepted to Bowman Gray Medical School where he was awarded a Reynold's Scholarship.  He completed his residency at Greenville General Hospital in Greenville, SC.  He joined a private practice in Greer, SC until 1989 when he and his wife relocated to the Fayetteville area where he became the Director of the OB/Gyn Residency program at Cape Fear Valley Hospital, a position he enjoyed till his retirement at 75. 

After retirement he enjoyed the time he spent at the North Carolina beaches, traveling & flying. 

Dr. Gooding held a deep respect for people from all walks of life and sought to see the best in them. 

The family will receive friends on Saturday, March 21, 2026, from 1 to 2 pm at First Presbyterian Church.  A Memorial Service will follow at 2 pm in the Sanctuary.

Memorials may be made to First Presbyterian Church http://www.firstprez.com or the NC State Wolfpack Club https://wolfpackclub.com/

Online condolences may be sent to http://www.jerniganwarren.com

Services provided by Jernigan-Warren Funeral Home, 545 Ramsey St., Fayetteville, NC  28301

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