Thomas Blackburn Goodman, Jr.

The Legend of “The Chicken Man”: A Life at 180 MPH

If you asked his golf buddies, they would tell you about “Chick,” the man who could shoot his age even as he faced the greatest challenge of his life. If you asked the legends of NASCAR, they would tell you about the man who survived a 186-mph crash at Charlotte Motor Speedway. But if you asked him what mattered most, Tom would tell you about his walk with the Lord, and his cherished family.

On February 16, 2026, Thomas Blackburn Goodman Jr. finished his final round and entered his eternal home, passing away peacefully, surrounded by his loving family, in McKinney, Texas, after a courageous battle with Advanced ALS. He was 83 years old, a cherished pillar of his community, and a beloved family patriarch.

A Foundation of Faith and Family

Tom was a man of deep and unwavering Christian faith. As a resolute member of Prestonwood Baptist Church, his life was a reflection of the grace he received. He liked the finer things in life, but he possessed a servant’s heart, quietly giving more to those in need than anyone truly knew. His light will continue to shine in the hearts of those he touched—a true testament to a life well-lived.

From Ashe County to the Global Stage

Tom’s story began on February 26, 1942, in the Blue Ridge Mountains of Jefferson, North Carolina. From humble beginnings, son of a timberman, he was built for action. From the football fields of Beaver Creek High School, Appalachian State University, and East Tennessee State University, he was a formidable presence – bringing that same fierce drive with him into the United States Air Force. He was a pioneer who saw the future and drove change. Tom helped launch the first ever Master Charge credit card program in the banking community, and later in his career, he revolutionized the poultry industry by inventing the tray-pack packaging standard that transformed chicken processing and is globally utilized today. From the pit-row of Holly Farms to the executive offices of Pilgrim’s Pride and his own Triangle Foods, Tom earned his nickname, “The Chicken Man,” through decades of grit, unwavering character, and exceptional leadership.

A World Without Borders

Pops didn’t just travel; he conquered. He was a licensed pilot who visited every state in the United States and explored the globe. He was a man of contrasts: he had the palate to dine at every Mobil 5- Star restaurant in the country, fished the Amazon Basin, boated on the lake, and played countless rounds of golf, yet he was happiest when breaking bread with family and friends.

He was also a true wine aficionado, taking immense pleasure in collecting bottles of the finest wines from around the world - each one a story, a place, a memory. Whether it was a rare find, a special vintage, or a shared glass at the end of a good day, Pops loved wine not just for its taste, but for the way it brought people together.

An elite amateur golfer, one of Tom’s fondest memories was when he had the opportunity to play the hallowed grounds of Augusta National Golf Club with Tom Watson, proving that he belonged among the best. Amen’s Corner will forever be his pinnacle moment in golf.

The People He Loved

He leaves behind his devoted life partner, Linda Broumley, Prosper, Texas; his first wife and the mother of his two children, Clara Louetta Mash, Frisco, Texas; and a legacy carried forward by his two sons Thomas Blackburn “Boddie” Goodman III and his wife Jill, Bentonville, Arkansas and Christopher Todd “Dudge” Goodman and his wife Melissa, Carrollton, Texas. His stories will be retold for generations by his grandchildren Madison Capri Goodman, Tuscaloosa, Alabama, Thomas Blackburn “Taz” Goodman IV, Boston, Massachusetts, and Alexander Reilly “Al” Goodman, Carrollton, Texas and many cousins. 

Tom was greeted in Heaven by his parents, Thomas Blackburn Goodman Sr. and Rosa Faye “Granny” Taylor Goodman; his sisters Mable Goodman and Jessie Mae Baldwin; his brother-in-law Walter Baldwin; and his nephew and niece, Gary Wayne, and Linda Joyce Baldwin; and many aunts, uncles, and cousins. His final resting place will be beside his mother and father in the Goodman Cemetery located in Todd, North Carolina.

Family and friends are invited to gather for his Celebration of Life to trade stories and honor a man who truly lived. There will be a memorial service at 2:00 p.m., Saturday, March 07, 2026, at Allen Family Funeral Options.

In his honor, in lieu of flowers, Tom requested that you help continue his legacy of giving. If desired, donations can be made in Tom’s name to: LC3 Kenya Kids at: https://lc3kenyakids.com/ or the ALS Association @ https://www.als.org/