Reverend Johnnie B. Goodwin was born on August 5, 1930 to the late Johnnie Sr. and Lurenner Goodwin in Denmark, South Carolina. He was educated at Voorhees School in Denmark, South Carolina. He was called to preach the Gospel in 1969.

Reverend Goodwin pastored Progressive Baptist Church in Fresno, California in 1967; First Union, Fresno, California in 1968 and Mt. Olive in Fresno, California in 1990.

Reverend Goodwin was united in Holy Matrimony to Ms. Willie Mae Kenney on September 10, 1999.

He became a member of Bethany Missionary Baptist Church after returning to South Carolina. He pastored at Bethany for 20 years and later retired. In all, he had been pastoring for 52 years.

His places of employment and accomplishments included: 20 years in the Air Force and retired as Staff Sgt, after joining at the age of 18; U.S. Postal worker in Fresno, California; he owned Goodwin's Senior Day Care in Fresno, California; retired from Bamberg County Special Needs Board, volunteer worker at The Regional Medical Center, Orangeburg, South Carolina; Volunteer for Meals on Wheels, Bamberg, South Carolina; Transportation for DSS of Bamberg County; he owned Goodwin's Lawn Service; delivery man for Times and Democrat Newspaper, Orangeburg, South Carolina; past president of Lower Counties Ministerial Coalition and one of the founders of Barnwell County Crusade along with others.

Two sons and one daughter preceded him in death, Douglas Brown, James Goodwin and Melissa McNeally.

He leaves to cherish his memories—his loving wife, Mrs. Willie Mae Goodwin; 3 daughters: Sheila Goodwin and Anita (Jimmy) White both of Fresno, CA and Monea Wise of Denmark, SC; 1 son, Detroit Goodwin of Denmark, SC; 16 Grandchildren; 45 Great grandchildren; 14 Great-great grandchildren, and a host of other relatives and friends.