Alexander Paul Goforth

Our dearest Alexander Paul Goforth left us on April 1, 2024, while stationed in Hinesville, Georgia. Alex was born in St. Louis, Missouri on May 16, 2001. Alex was preceded in death by his grandfather Paul Pierce, great-aunt Gail, and Cousin Christine. Alex is survived by his mom, Sheila; sister, Bailey; wife, Shelby; and four-legged baby, Rufus. Grandson of Paul (Juretta) Gorka and Rhonda Pierce. Nephew of Tony (Marcia), Kim (Rob), and Cindy (Jamie). Great-nephew of Sharon (Patrick), Kevin (Amy), Lisa (Brad). Cousin of Patricia, Nick (Alex), Ashleigh (Drew), Craig, Devin, Pearl (Ethan), Hanna, Tyler, Taylor, Jiliann, Sarah, Paul, and Anna (who he and Shelby enjoyed playing Squishmallows with); son-in-law of Brian (Jenny), and Debbie; brother-in-law of Emmy; as well as his dear life-long friend, Daeton (Kara).

Throughout his life, Alex had the most infectious smile that could light up a room, as well as an adventurous spirit that sometimes was mischievous. As a child, Alex enjoyed swimming with his sister Bailey and their cousins at his grandparents' house, building Legos, and tinkering with things to figure out how they worked. Alex's favorite childhood pastime was stunt bike riding with Daeton. Alex had a wide range of music tastes that surprised and amused friends and family. Alex’s playful personality and caring nature were endearing to all who knew him.

Alex’s adventurous spirit led him to join the Army where he proudly served from May 2019 to April 2024. Alex started basic training at Fort Moore on his 18th birthday as a tanker. After basic training, Alex was stationed at Fort Stewart in Hinesville, Georgia where he served alongside his beloved “Cottonbaler” brothers of Headquarters Company, 2nd Battalion, 7th Infantry Regiment, 1st Armored Brigade Combat Team, 3rd Infantry Division, Fort Stewart, Georgia.  

Alex’s service in the military proved to be very successful. His many accomplishments in the Army included becoming the youngest graduate in the 40-year history of the Abrams Master Gunner School, having done so at 21 years old. Alex also served two deployments in South Korea and Germany. On his fourth anniversary, Alex was promoted to Staff Sergeant. Alex was loved and respected by the soldiers he served with and was a “Damn Fine Soldier.”

The Army brought Alex many close relationships, including that with his best friend Val (Robert Valentine). These two were known to enjoy many adventures together, and the stories about their antics are quite entertaining. One of the most important people to enter Alex’s life while in the Army was his wife Shelby. They completed their family when they adopted Rufus.

Alex was loved tremendously and will be missed terribly by many. He was bigger than the whole sky...he was more than just a short time.