U.S. Navy · United States 
William Goodwin
1969
William McKinley Goodwin served the U.S. Navy.
How He Died
Manner
Accident
Cause
Multiple traumatic injuries
What Happened
Deputy Sheriff William Goodwin was killed when his patrol car was struck by a train at a railroad crossing on Rural Paved Road 1423 near Halifax, North Carolina, at 8:50 a.m. Deputy Goodwin was a U.S. Navy veteran who had served with the Halifax County Sheriff's Office for only five months and was the agency's first African American deputy. He had previously served with the Roanoke Rapids Police Department for one year. He was survived by his expectant wife, parents, three sisters, and a brother. His daughter was born a few months later.
Survivors
He was survived by his expectant wife, parents, three sisters, and a brother.
Service Record
U.S. Navy
Also Served
Halifax County Sheriff's Office
Deputy Sheriff
In Our Keeping
Permanent identifier
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Record added
August 2, 2026
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Last updated
August 2, 2026
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