Lael Trent Gooch, 91

November 20, 1932  –  August 18, 2024

Lael Trent Gooch, 91, died peacefully on Sunday afternoon, August 18th, 2024, surrounded by his children. He left behind a legacy of faith, love and integrity that began with his birth to Clara Mae Walker Gooch and Carlos Trent Gooch on Sunday, November 20, 1932, in a dog trot log home on Pine Bluff Road in Lafayette County, Mississippi. That property has remained in the family since 1884.

A proud resident of Toccopola, Mississippi, Lael knew the importance of hard work his entire life. As a child he often tended the general store owned by his father and was hired to build a fire in each classroom at the local school early every morning. He completed his studies at Toccopola High School in three years, stating there were no more classes for him to take. He attended Holmes Junior College for one year before joining the Dixie Division of the US Army which was mobilized on December 16,1950. He was stationed at Fort Jackson, South Carolina, and rode the train from New Albany for the first time to report for duty there.

Lael’s cousin, Dean Gooch, who joined the Army with Lael and was also stationed at Fort Jackson, went home on leave one weekend. Sadly, he was killed in a car accident. When notified of his cousin’s death, Lael could not find his superior officer to request permission to go home for the funeral. A rule follower, he was unsure of what to do, but his duty to his family prevailed and he headed home, not knowing what consequences lay ahead for the choice he made. He was very appreciative that the officer understood when he was notified and excused Lael’s absence from the base. At Dean’s funeral a friend’s mom went up to Lael’s mother and said, “I bet you are glad that Lael did not come home with Dean.” Lael’s mother had complete faith in her son and responded, “Maybe if Lael had come home Dean would be alive.”

Lael’s duty to his country was completed on January 16, 1951. He returned home and attended Northwest Junior College, before completing his undergraduate degree at the University of Mississippi. While at Ole Miss Lael was very active in intramural sports. The late Doc Knight, the athletic trainer for the Ole Miss track team, asked Lael to be the manager/trainer for his unbeaten track stars. The two always claimed they were the charter M-Club members at Ole Miss.

While at Ole Miss Lael did his student teaching at University High School. He and a friend, Jimmy Nelson, started the first men’s basketball team there, which still exists today as the Oxford High School team.

Lael completed his Bachelor of Science degree on the GI Bill in 1955 and attained his Master of Education in 1958. He followed the Rebels throughout his life and was a season ticket holder for both football and basketball for many decades. He often said of all the games he watched, the most memorable was when Ole Miss beat the nationally ranked number three team, Maryland, with a score of 21-14 in 1953.

Lael married the love of his life, Mary Murchison, on Christmas Day in 1954. They settled into student housing at Ole Miss until he received his undergraduate degree and then moved to Tiptonville, Tennessee for his first job. Their first child, Terrie, was born there, but it only took one year for the pull of home to call them back to Mississippi where Lael took a job at Pinedale High School in the Union County School District. His second child, Trentice, made her debut on moving day. Lael coached girls and boys basketball at Pinedale and was later named principal. Years later at a school reunion Lael remarked one perk of the job was he was never bothered by the phone ringing at work because the school did not have any phones! His news sources were the milkman when he made a delivery to the school, or George Watson, who was an athletic equipment salesman who often slept in his car overnight as he traveled his territory. Lael and Mary welcomed their third child, Trent, while living in Pinedale.

The Union County School District consolidated in 1961 and Pinedale High School was closed. Lael and his family moved to Ingomar where he served as the elementary school principal. Lael told Mary that year that with three children he must pursue a different career with more financial opportunity. He always wanted to be in business for himself, so he accepted an offer from State Farm Insurance to build a start-from-scratch agency in Ripley, MS. That successful agency continues today, but after one year Lael chose to make a lateral move with State Farm to New Albany, where they permanently settled to raise their own family and be close to relatives. Lael’s name became synonymous with State Farm Insurance in North Mississippi, and his customers trusted and depended on him to guide them in decisions that were in their best interest.

Throughout Lael’s career, he distinguished himself as a very respected member of the insurance industry. He was a continuous member of the Ambassador Club and qualified for trips that allowed him to take Mary to see the world. Lael’s persistence for excellence led him to achieve Select Agent, Golden Triangle, and Silver Scroll status. As a life-long learner, Lael completed his certification as a Chartered Life Underwriter.

Lael enjoyed his years in the New Albany Kiwanis Club and served as president. He and his family enjoyed placing American flags along the city streets of New Albany every patriotic holiday.

As a charter member of Oaks Country Club, Lael greatly enjoyed playing golf with his buddies. He would admit he was not the best consistent golfer, but he could boast he had a hole in one.

Serving his Lord and loving his family were Lael’s greatest joys in life. He traced his family history back through seven generations of membership in the Methodist Church in Mississippi. Lael joined the Toccopola Methodist Church as a young boy, and he and his family have actively worshiped at First Methodist Church in New Albany since 1963. He taught youth Sunday School there, and served as an usher, as a member of the Administrative Council, and as a member of the Trustees and the Finance Committee. He always looked forward to singing old hymns like “Standing on the Promises” or “When the Roll is Called Up Yonder” with friends in the Hugh Clayton Sunday School class. He would never let anyone know that he had a Sunday School perfect attendance record that exceeded 5 years.

Lael is survived by Mary, his wife of sixty-nine years, daughters, Terrie Gooch of Columbus, MS, and Trentice Gooch Imbler of Tupelo, MS, his son, Lael Trent Gooch, Jr. of New Albany, MS, and his granddaughters Mallie Elizabeth Imbler of Tupelo, MS and Carrol Trent Imbler of Dallas, Texas. He is also survived by his sister- in-law, Jane Gooch, and several nieces, nephews, and cousins.

Lael was preceded in death by his parents, his son-in-law

Charles V Imbler, Jr., and brothers Norris Gooch and Lanny Gooch.

A Celebration of Life for Lael will be Wednesday, August 21st, 2024, at 11:00, with the visitation at 10:00 prior to the service. Both the visitation and service are at First Methodist Church, New Albany, MS with The Reverend Doctor Tim Prather and Matt Tyer officiating. A graveside service will be held at Tupelo Memorial Park.

Pallbearers are Lan Gooch, Jake Gooch, Jeff Gooch, Johnny Cobb, Allen Jackson, Bill Rutledge, Shane Harrington, Robert Gaines, J B Darnell, and Harold Lomenick. Honorary pallbearers are members of the Hugh Clayton Sunday School Class, and current and past State Farm agents and employees.

The family wants to express special thanks to Aleesia Cox for the love and care that she provided to both of our parents during these past few weeks. Her thoughtful care is most appreciated.

Memorials may be made to First Methodist Church, P. O. Box 156, New Albany, MS 38652 or Union County Heritage Museum, P. O. Box 657, New Albany, MS 38652

United Funeral Home, New Albany, MS is in charge of the arrangements.

Please follow the funeral home link above for further information, or to send online condolences or memorial gifts.