Losing someone is heavy. It's a weight that doesn't just sit in your chest; it ripples through the whole community, especially in a place like Dixie County. When you're looking for rick gooding funeral homes cross city obituaries, you aren't just looking for a name on a screen. You're looking for a story. You're looking for the details of a life lived—maybe someone who spent their weekends on the Suwannee River or a neighbor who always had a kind word at the grocery store.
Finding these tributes shouldn't be a chore during an already exhausting time. Honestly, the Gooding family has been doing this for a long time, so they've made the process fairly straightforward, but there are some nuances to how they post and where to look that most people miss.
Why Local Legacies Matter at Rick Gooding Funeral Homes
The Gooding name isn't new to the Suwannee River Valley. We're talking about a legacy that technically dates back to 1928. Think about that. That's nearly a century of helping families through their darkest hours. While the current iteration of the business, Rick Gooding Funeral Home, officially opened its doors in Cross City back in 2001, the roots go much deeper.
Rick Gooding himself is a fourth-generation funeral director. He grew up right here in Cross City, a 1976 graduate of Dixie County High School. That matters because when you read the obituaries they publish, they feel personal. It's not just "corporate" speak. It’s about neighbors serving neighbors.
The Cross City chapel is a massive 12,000-square-foot facility right on SE Highway 19. It’s got enough room to seat 300 people, which is necessary when a well-known local passes away and half the county shows up to pay their respects.
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Finding Rick Gooding Funeral Homes Cross City Obituaries
If you're searching for a recent service or an old friend’s tribute, the best place to start is their official digital "Tributes" wall.
The Official Tributes Page
The funeral home maintains a live feed of recent deaths. This is usually the first place an obituary appears. You’ll find details like:
- Service times: Often held at the Cross City chapel or local churches like the Cross City Church of God.
- Visitation hours: Usually scheduled an hour or two before the funeral service.
- Interment details: Common burial sites include the Cross City Cemetery or other local family plots.
Legacy and Third-Party Sites
Sometimes Google will point you toward Legacy.com or the Valdosta Daily Times. These are great for older records, but for the most up-to-date info—especially for someone who passed in the last 48 hours—the funeral home's own site is the gold standard.
Social Media and Word of Mouth
In Dixie and Levy counties, things still travel fast by word of mouth. However, the "Social Obituary" feature on the Rick Gooding website allows families to share memories directly to Facebook. It’s a modern way to keep the community connected.
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More Than Just a List of Names
What most people don't realize is that rick gooding funeral homes cross city obituaries are often interactive. It's not just a block of text anymore.
You can actually:
- Send Flowers: Directly from the obituary page, which ensures they get to the right chapel (either Cross City or the Chiefland location on North Young Blvd).
- Post Tributes: You can share a photo or a story. Sometimes it’s the small things—like a memory of a fishing trip—that mean the most to the grieving family.
- Sign the Guestbook: Even if you can't make the drive to Highway 19, signing the online book lets the family know you’re thinking of them.
Planning and Cremation Trends in Dixie County
There’s been a big shift lately. Rick Gooding noticed back in 2003 that more Florida families were choosing cremation. To keep things respectful and local, he built an on-site crematory. This is actually a big deal.
Most funeral homes have to "outsource" cremation to a third party. By having their own, they keep your loved one under their care the entire time. It’s about peace of mind. If you see "Cremation" in one of the obituaries, know that it happened right there, handled by people who actually live in the community.
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Actionable Steps for Families and Friends
If you are looking for information or needing to coordinate with the funeral home, here is what you need to do next:
- Verify the Location: Rick Gooding has two chapels. Make sure the service is at the Cross City Chapel (16984 SE Hwy 19) and not the Chiefland branch. They are about 20 minutes apart, and you don't want to be at the wrong one when the service starts.
- Check for Live Streams: Occasionally, for those who can't travel, services may have a digital component or a recorded tribute.
- Note the "In Lieu of Flowers" Section: Many families now request donations to local charities or churches in the obituary text. Read the bottom of the page carefully before ordering that bouquet.
- Reach Out Directly: If you can't find a specific name, call them at (352) 498-5400. They are available 24/7 because, well, grief doesn't keep office hours.
When a life ends in a small town, the obituary serves as a final "thank you" to the community. Whether it's a veteran receiving full honors or a lifelong local being laid to rest at the Cross City Cemetery, these records are the heartbeat of our local history. Take a moment to read them—not just for the dates and times, but to remember the person behind the name.
To get started with a search or to leave a message for a family, visit the official Rick Gooding Funeral Homes website and navigate to the Tributes section. If you are planning ahead, request their "General Price List" to understand the costs associated with traditional burials versus their on-site cremation services.