Elwin Leonard Goolsby, age 81, of Hot Springs, Arkansas, formerly of Sheridan, passed away
April 26
, 2023, at CHI St. Vincent Hospital in Hot Springs. He was born in Pine Bluff, Arkansas, on
November 4
, 1941, to parents Wilton Leonard Goolsby and Juanita Elizabeth McCool Goolsby. He was a graduate of Sheridan High School Class of 1959 who chose him Most Valuable to School. He was also a graduate of Henderson State Teachers College in 1963. He then began a lifelong teaching career, first in the Prattsville School District and then at Sheridan Junior and Senior High Schools, totaling 19 years in the classroom. He was honored to be chosen to develop and teach a ninth grade Historical Artifacts class at Sheridan High School.
Elwin was founder and director of the Grant County Museum in Sheridan which had humble beginnings in his Sheridan school classroom and became one of the finest local history museums in the State. After he retired as a teacher in public schools in 1981, he continued teaching at the museum to students and groups who visited. He retired from the museum in 2003 but continued to assist in any way that he could. He is the author of Our Timberland Home, A History of Grant County and also wrote several other books made available at the museum. He was appointed Grant County Historian by the Grant County Quorum Court in 1984. He designed the Grant County Flag you see flyng
today
. His passion was Civil War History on which he gave many presentations to groups and clubs over the years. He enjoyed visiting antique shops and malls as well as attending American Kennel Club dog shows.
He received many distinguished awards during his tenure as teacher and museum director. He was honored to receive the first Award of Merit presented by the Arkansas Museum Association. Among others received were from State of Arkansas House of Representatives, Grant County Chamber of Commerce, Arkansas Congress of Parents and Teachers Life Membership, and Sheridan Education Association Outstanding Educator Award. He was very proud and honored to have earned a place on the SHS Distinguished Alumni Wall.
Other than his parents, preceding him in death were his brother Gerald William (Billy) Goolsby, and infant sister, Betty Joyce Goolsby. He is survived by his wife, Ellen Kay Mosley Goolsby, whom he married on
June 20
, 1965. Both enjoyed going to American Kennel Club Dog Shows where they showed their German Shepherd Dogs and Petits Bassets Griffons Vendéens; their Shih Tzu went along for the ride!
At his request, there will be no service or visitation. He says he would rather you go out to an antique mall and enjoy yourself! Burial will be private in Sheridan Cemetery. Memorials may be made to the Grant County Museum, 521 Shackleford Road, Sheridan, AR 72150 or to a Pet Rescue organization of your choice.
