Wayne Kent Goddard, 69, died Thursday, April 21, 2016, at Raleigh Rehabilitation Center, his residence for several years. Kent was born April 15, 1947 in Ocala, Florida, to the late Grover Cleveland and Martha Horne Goddard. He moved to Raleigh in 1953 and later attended Broughton High School. At 17, he was diagnosed with a severe and persistent mental illness, affecting all areas of his life. This led to a lifelong mission to reduce the stigma of mental illness and to reform the mental health system from within. Kent did not let this disability stop him from working public jobs early on and volunteer jobs throughout his life. Public employers included Hayes Barton United Methodist Church, The Wake County Home, and Lincoln Developers. Decades of volunteer service led to awards from Urban Ministries of Raleigh, Thad and Alice Eure Walk for Hope, NC Mental Health Consumers' Organization, and NC Chapter of National Alliance on Mental Illness. On April 21, 2002, Kent was named News and Observer Tarheel of the Week for advocacy work as Chairman of the Human Rights Committee of the Wake County Human Services Board. Even in death, he continues his legacy of service as a Harvard Brain Tissue donor. Kent is survived by his loving and devoted wife of 25 years, Laura McCauley Goddard, of Raleigh; his brother, David M. Goddard, of California; surrogate son, Samuel I. McPherson, of Raleigh, whom he loved as if he were his own son; and many extended family. He will be remembered by all for his intelligence, wit, compassion, and life of Christian service. Family visitation is Friday, April 29, 6 to 8 p.m., with funeral following on Saturday, April 30 at 11 a.m. and interment at noon. All at Montlawn 2911 S Wilmington St, Raleigh. In lieu of flowers, anyone wishing to make a contribution in Kent's honor are encouraged to consider the ministry of Carolina Crusades c/o Temple of Pentecost 2312 Lake Wheeler Rd, Raleigh, NC 27603. Online condolences may be made to the family at www.montlawn.com.