Mr. Ivan T. Goodrich IV, 61, was called home to be with his Lord and Savior Jesus Christ on Sunday, March 29, 2026. Ivan was born in Savannah, Ga., on October 26, 1964, to Mr. Ivan T. Goodrich III and Annette Parrish Goodrich. He had been a resident of Pembroke, Ga., since 2014.

Ivan was a 1982 graduate of Bible Baptist High School and was a passionate athlete, receiving the Coca-Cola Golden Helmet Award as a wide receiver in football for the city of Savannah in 1981.

Ivan could fix anything he put his mind to and worked many years as a mechanic across multiple organizations, including International Paper, Carlton Company and Rayonier.

He was a member of Olive Branch Baptist Church and loved the Lord as much as he loved his family.

He was preceded in death by his father, Tommy “Pop” Goodrich; and his wife’s parents, the Rev. Ralph “Buddy” and Verna Rouse.

Survivors include his loving wife of nearly 40 years, Debbie Rouse Goodrich; his three children whom he was very proud of and loved deeply, Ivan Thomas Goodrich V (Sarah Goodrich), Cody Goodrich (Alexis Story) and Rachel Goodrich; his loving mother, Annette Parrish Goodrich; his big sister, Susan Sapp; his little sister, Sondra Ham (Walter Ham); and cherished nephew, Joe Ham; brother-in-law, Wimpy Vaughan (Vickey Vaughan); loving uncles, Terrell Parrish (Sarilyn), Billy Goodrich, Clyde Goodrich, Charlie Goodrich; his special nephew, Tyler Rouse, whom Ivan considered a son; and many other nieces, nephews and cousins and friends whom he adored. Most of all, he was a loving proud Papaw, as he was affectionately called by his granddaughter, Harper Goodrich, whom he loved with all his heart.

Ivan was a man of God and a friend to all, never meeting a stranger. To know him was to love him and he would always put everyone ahead of himself. The world feels empty with him gone, but it is a better place for him having been here.

Visitation with the family will be on Good Friday, April 3, 2026, at Flanders Powell Funeral Home in Pembroke, GA from 11 a.m.—1 p.m., followed directly by a memorial service.

Ivan loved to help others and had a big heart.

In his honor, in lieu of flowers, please make donations to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital.

Statesboro Herald, April 2, 2026

Sign the Legacy online guestbook at www.statesboroherald.com.