Dion Orlando Goodman

A smack talking, funny, storytelling intellectual, who used the “F” word on a daily basis.

That was Dion O. Goodman Sr., born to Alice Goodman and Tommy Thompson on August 15, 1965 in Chicago Illinois. Dion grew up on the “Low End” of the South Side of Chicago. His early upbringing was shaped with a belief in Christ, attending his grandmother’s church in the basement of their family home. His early education was received at Fuller Elementary where he met lifelong friends. He attended Kenwood Academy High School in Chicago, where he graduated in 1983 as valedictorian. After high school he attended Lincoln Technical Institute where he received his automotive certification.

Dion’s life unfolded like a book. His ability to tell stories was unmatched. Sharing stories of his past and the connections he made over the years that impacted him, Dion had a knack for bringing stories to life. Like those of his mother standing at the top of the stairs when he came home late one night with his siblings. When he looked up his mother had her gun and asked them where they had been, Dion said he turned around, ran out the house, jumped the stairs and didn't look back. When he returned home his mother asked him why he ran. His reply was “somebody had to live to tell the story.”

Dion cherished the memories of his mother and followed in her footsteps giving his support to family, friends, and strangers alike, on the job, and in the streets. Dion often shared stories of Mr. John Lewis who gave him odd jobs at an early age to put change in his pocket (according to Dion), propelling Dion to work hard to get what he wanted in life. In 1989, Dion and his friend Donovan started Vintage Auto and Cycle Inc. Dion’s customers appreciated his honesty, and the quality of work whether he did the work or recommended they take it elsewhere. Dion became a father and stepfather to four boys that he loved equally.

In 1999 Dion decided it was time to uproot his young family and head to Las Vegas, Nevada. This move, along with his honesty, trustworthiness, and knowledge placed Dion in a position to maintain leadership roles throughout his career.

One of Dion’s most admirable qualities was his loyalty. His long lasting friendships are evidence of this. In addition to being loyal, he was extremely funny, and known for his brutal, yet caring honesty. No one could call you a dummy like Dion, and still make you feel loved, because he did it out of love. If you reached out, he was there for you, oftentimes giving a lecture on how you could do better.

In 2008, Dion met the love of his life Samantha. They not only loved each other, they genuinely enjoyed one another’s company, often hosting barbecues with Dion’s famous “mac and cheesy”, taking vacations, and their favorite pastime: people watching. They said from the moment they met it was God who brought them together (read the wedding story); their families joined, and now there were six (kids) and eventually two grandbabies who affectionately called him Grappy.

It is without saying, Dion’s character was dynamic, and he met no strangers.

Dion will be missed by all who knew him. He was preceded in death by his mother Alice Marie Goodman, father, Tommy Thompson, sisters Iola B. Goodman and Stacy L. Bennifield, and his brother in love, Andrew Butler. He leaves to cherish his memory, his wife Samantha Goodman, sons Dion Goodman Jr, Ryan Thompson, Corey Williams, Marcus Williams, Christopher Motley, and his ‘Lil Princess’ Shanta Wheeler (James Wheeler), his brother Jon Goodman, sister Tomi Goodman, and sister in love Lawan Richard-Bey. His aunt Billi Goodman (James Norise). As well as his nieces and nephews, and a host of family and friends.

Encouragement- Tomi Goodman

As things go wrong as they often do, and you feel confused while you’re going through Say It’s Okay Today When life gets you down and you want to give up, just hold on tight though you’ve had enough Say It’s Okay Today Try hard to stay strong after things have gone wrong and let God and say It’s Okay Today Don’t try to figure out what you don’t understand, just keep the faith and hold Jesus’ hand and Say It’s Okay Today Say It’s Okay Today and keep peace in your Heart and trust that God will give you grace right from the start cause It’s Okay Today

-Tomi Goodman

From your Son- Lil D

I’m not your son, you’re not my father. We’re just two grown men saying goodbye. No need to forgive, no need to forget. I know your mistakes and you know mine. And while you’re sleeping, I’ll try to make you proud. So daddy, won’t you just close your eyes? Don’t be afraid, it’s my turn to chase the monsters away.

From your Son- Ryan

The Lord is a stronghold for the oppressed, a stronghold in times of trouble. And those who know your name put their trust in you, for you O Lord have not forsaken those who seek you. Psalm 9:9-10