[Congressional Record Volume 172, Number 113 (Monday, July 13, 2026)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E673]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                     HONORING HUGH ``CARL'' GOODING

                                 ______
                                 

                            HON. JOE WILSON

                           of south carolina

                    in the house of representatives

                         Monday, July 13, 2026

  Mr. WILSON of South Carolina. Mr. Speaker, South Carolinians are 
grateful to express appreciation for the life of Carl Gooding, also 
known as ``The Big Dog'', of Allendale County, whose dedication to 
public service will be eternalized in his community, and honored by his 
friends and family. His daily morning radio talk show on WDOG-AM has 
been an inspiration promoting the citizens of Allendale and Barnwell 
counties. I include in the Record the following obituary provided by 
Keith Smith Funeral Services:

                         Hugh ``Carl'' Gooding

       It is with profound sadness that the Gooding family 
     announces the passing of Hugh ``Carl'' Gooding, 
     affectionately known to his family as ``Grandpa Carl'' and 
     throughout the Lowcountry as ``The Big Dog''. Mr. Gooding 
     entered into eternal rest on Sunday, July 5, 2026, leaving 
     behind a legacy of service, leadership, and unwavering 
     dedication to the people of Allendale County and the 
     Lowcountry of South Carolina.
       Carl was born on September 17, 1945, in Hampton County, 
     South Carolina, to the late Hugh Woodrow Gooding and Addie 
     Mae Williams Gooding. He was a 1963 graduate of Wade Hampton 
     High School, before making Allendale County his lifelong home 
     alongside his beloved wife of more than sixty years, Lisa 
     Bell Gooding.
       A respected businessman and civic leader, Carl devoted his 
     life to improving the quality of life for the citizens of 
     Allendale County and the surrounding region. He faithfully 
     served on the Allendale County Council for more than twenty 
     years, retiring in December 2022. Throughout his 
     distinguished public service, he held numerous regional and 
     statewide leadership positions, including service on the 
     Savannah River Site Redevelopment Authority, the South 
     Carolina State Board for Technical and Comprehensive 
     Education, the USC Salkehatchie Educational Foundation 
     Partnership Board, and the Southern Carolina Regional 
     Development Alliance, where he served in several leadership 
     roles, including Chairman. His efforts helped recruit 
     billions of dollars in private investment and thousands of 
     jobs to rural South Carolina.
       Carl's passion for broadcasting became one of his greatest 
     legacies. In 1982, he and Lisa purchased Good Radio 
     Broadcasting Corporation, and in 1983 established the current 
     home of WDOG Radio in Allendale. Known to generations simply 
     as ``The Big Dog,'' Carl became one of the region's most 
     recognizable voices, entertaining listeners daily on the 
     beloved Chit Chat Show alongside his son, Rick. He also 
     became the unmistakable voice of Friday night high school 
     football, alongside his son Rick and more recently his 
     grandson Raleigh. He will forever be known for bringing 
     excitement and hometown pride to countless broadcasts 
     throughout the Lowcountry.
       His dedication to community service earned him numerous 
     honors, including being named Allendale County Citizen of the 
     Year, South Carolina Economic Ambassador for Allendale 
     County, the Outstanding Commitment to Economic Development 
     Award, and many other civic and business recognitions. In 
     2024, he received South Carolina's highest civilian honor, 
     the Order of the Palmetto, in recognition of his 
     extraordinary contributions to the state.
       Outside of public service, Carl cherished the outdoors. He 
     was an avid hunter, fisherman, and golfer who loved the 
     beauty of the Lowcountry. Whether spending time on the water, 
     in the woods, or on the golf course with his HOBOS golfing 
     buddies, Carl treasured fellowship and friendship as much as 
     competition.
       More than any title or accomplishment, Carl will be 
     remembered for his warm personality, quick wit, generous 
     spirit, and genuine love for people. His impact on Allendale 
     County will continue to be felt for generations through the 
     lives he touched, the opportunities he helped create, and the 
     community he loved so dearly.
       Carl leaves to cherish his memory his devoted wife of more 
     than sixty years, Lisa Bell Gooding; his son, Charles 
     ``Rick'' Gooding, and daughter-in-law, Rebecca; his 
     grandchildren, Ashley Davis (Carey) and Raleigh Freeman; his 
     great-grandson, Harbor Davis; his brothers, Gene Gooding 
     (Susan) and Woodrow ``Woody'' Gooding (Beth); his brother-in-
     law, Charles ``Chuck'' Bell, Jr.; three nephews, one niece, a 
     host of great nephews and nieces, a family friend Edward Lee 
     Sanders, and a host of extended family members, lifelong 
     friends, and countless listeners whose lives were enriched by 
     knowing him.
       Carl's life was one of purpose, service, and faith. Though 
     he will be deeply missed, his legacy will live on in the 
     family he loved the community he faithfully served, and the 
     countless memories shared by all who had the privilege of 
     knowing ``The Big Dog''. May he rest in eternal peace.

                          ____________________