Harold A. Gooden, age 88 of Opelika, was born in Lafayette, Alabama on December 5, 1923 and passed away at Bethany House in Auburn on October 25, 2012. He was a member of Watoola United Methodist Church. Mr. Gooden served in the Navy during WWII, he was commander of VFW Post 5404 for many years, and was a past member of the Auburn-Opelika Elks Lodge #1834. He was also president of the Big Swamp Hunting Club for several years. He is preceded in death by his sisters, Sharon Clark and Helen Gaberlavage; and brothers, Eugene, James, O'Neal and Richard Gooden. Mr. Gooden is survived by his wife of 31 years, Emma G. Gooden; son, Danny Gooden; granddaughter, Britney Gooden; brothers, Barto, Lewis, Gerald and Wayne Gooden; sister, Linda Johnson; and a host of nieces, nephews and cousins.