Worth Goble, age 99, was born February 11, 1925 in Johnson County, KY to John and Pearl Goble. He passed away peacefully on December 22, 2024 at Pikeville Medical Center surrounded by his family.  Worth is preceded in death by his parents, step mother Rita Goble, wife Lorriane "Bill" Goble,  son Worth Goble II, daughter Cathy Goble Gullett, second wife Garnett Gay Goble, brother Russell Goble, sisters Janis Taylor, Margie Wells, Gladys Price, and Betty Caudill, and step son in law Ben Cox.

Worth leaves behind devoted children Connie and Harold Dean Meek and Chris and Malchom Ratliff of West Van Lear, KY and Nelson Gullett of Paintsville, KY, grandchildren Meme Ratliff (Becca),  Nelson Worth Gullett (Betsy), Nick Ratliff, and Crystal Meek, great grandchildren Jaxson Ratliff (Taylor), Meghan Ratliff, William Titlow, Catherine Gullett, Carson Ratliff, and Caleb Gullett, Step Daughter Paulinda Cox, step grandchildren Leslie Jones (Derek ) and Aaron Cox (Gera) and step great grandchildren, Lucielle, Silas, Hadley, Cecilia, Josephine, and Douglas Jones and a host of nieces, nephews, family, friends, fishing buddies, and neighbors.

During World War II, Worth served his country proudly as a radarman aboard the USS Hornet CV-12.  In his later years, Worth told countless stories of his time aboard the most decorated ship in the Pacific fleet and spoke of what an honor it was to defend our freedom.  At the time of his passing he was the oldest living plank holder of the ship.

After returning from war, Worth spotted "Bill" walking down Main Street.  He asked her to go to the movies, and the rest was history.  Worth was known for giving nicknames.   He and his beloved "Flossy" were married on November 15, 1947.  He found gainful employment first as a lineman, then as a switchboard operator, and finally as a dispatcher for South Central Bell.  In his spare time, Worth was an avid fisherman and enjoyed hunting.  He volunteered as a little league baseball coach and kept the score book for Coach Wallen's Meade Memorial Red Devils.  Worth also delighted in his grandchildren and dedicated many hours to teaching them to fish, instilling his love of baseball by playing catch in the backyard, attending their performances and competitions, and taking them to the Dairy Queen.  He loved gardening and genealogy. After 40 years with the phone company Worth retired and found his new "workplace" – Paintsville Lake.  Worth shared his fishing conquests and Brag Book with anyone who would listen . After 45 years of marriage, "Bill" passed away, and Worth married Gay Bailey on March 5, 1993.  He often said that he was blessed with two good wives. Most recently Worth loved "elk hunting", looking for eagles, and visiting with friends.  Worth, a man of faith, fervently attended the Kingdom Hall of the Jehovah's Witnesses.  We know that Worth has impacted so many lives in his 99 years and encourage you to be a light to his legacy in your daily life.   He left behind memories that will be treasured forever.

Funeral services will be conducted 1:00 p.m. Saturday, December 28, 2024 in the Jones-Preston Funeral Chapel with Aaron Penix and Brian Dewire officiating. Burial will follow at Highland Memorial Park, Staffordsville, Kentucky. Friends may visit the Jones-Preston Funeral Home from 1:00 p.m. until 8:00 p.m. Friday, December 27, 2024 and 10:00 a.m. until time of service at 1:00 p.m. Saturday, December 28, 2024.

Full military honors will be conducted by Auxier Chapter 18 DAV.

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations are requested to Casting for Kids by:

Mail:

Casting for Kids

Memory of Worth Goble

PO Box 625

Wittensville, KY

Or

Debit/Paypal

Casting4kids.net

Or

Phone Jones-Preston Funeral Home at 606-789-3501 .

Jones-Preston Funeral Home is both Honored and Privileged to be Entrusted with all funeral arrangements for Mr. Worth Goble.