Stacy Phillip Goss

Stacy Phillip Goss, 76, of Opelika, Alabama died on Thursday, June 15, 2023, following a brief illness. Stacy was born on February 7, 1947, in Tallassee, AL to Frank and Hazel Goss.

His early years and teen years were spent in Tallassee, AL, where he excelled in music. He became a member of the Tallassee High School Band where he not only won numerous awards but met his sweetheart Rebecca Willis Goss. After graduation, he attended Auburn University; joined the Auburn University Band; played with the Auburn Knights and pursued a BS Degree in Music Education. He received a Master of Arts Degree from the University of North Alabama, Florence, AL. In 1970, Stacy was hired to start a band program at Brooks High school in Killen, AL. Under his leadership the band program evolved to win several superior ratings and finished 1st in their class at the Alabama State Contest of Champions. During the five years as Band Director at Brooks High School, Stacy held a secondary job as a studio musician for the now famous recording studios in Muscle Shoals, Alabama. He played trumpet on numerous recordings for artists from all over the country who came to record at Broadway Sound Studios, Muscle Shoals Sound Studios and Fame Studios. In 1975, Stacy became the Band Director at Albertville High School where he taught for over twenty years. During that time the band received many honors including participation in three Macy's Thanksgiving Parades; winner of the New Orleans Greatest Band in Dixie contest; winner of the Tri-State Marching Festival, Chattanooga, TN; and Grand Champion of the American Music Festival, Opryland USA, Nashville with the symphonic band. He was an avid Auburn fan and enjoyed that the AHS band had the opportunity to perform twice at an Auburn University football game.

According to Stacy, "At Brooks, Albertville, and Carrollton Christian, it was my students that achieved superior ratings, won state championships, won festivals, participated in multiple Macy's Parades, got standing ovations etc. My contribution was that I cared about them very much." His additional accomplishments include Outstanding Young Men of America; Jacksonville State Teacher Hall of Fame finalist; Albertville Citizen of the Year; Albertville Teacher of the Year; and President of the Albertville City Education Association.

Throughout his life he enjoyed playing his trumpet and later his bass guitar. These are just a few of the groups in which he participated: The Hungry I; The Downtown Horns; The Texas Jazz Cats; The Kings of Swing; Wylie Community Band; East Alabama Community Band; Murphy Road Baptist Praise Band; and most recently First Baptist Church of Opelika Orchestra. He is survived by his wife of 53 years, Becky Goss of Opelika, AL; his daughter Allison (Clay) Stark; his grandchildren Savannah Stark and Hunter Stark of Parker, Texas; sister Vera Webster of Opelika, AL; brother-in-law Ron (Ann) Willis of Tallassee, AL; cousin Ray (Patsy) Goss of Tallassee, AL; and several nieces and nephews. He is predeceased by his parents, Frank and Hazel Goss; his brother Donald Goss; and brother-in-law D. Duane Webster.

A private family service is being held.

In lieu of flowers donations can be made in his memory to: Bethany House Inpatient Hospice, 1171 Gatewood Drive, Building 100, Auburn, Alabama 36830 or East Alabama Community Band, 1103 Glenn Street, Opelika, Alabama 36801 or Albertville High School Band Rose Bowl Scholarship Fund, 402 East McCord Avenue, Albertville, Alabama 35950.

Online condolences may be posted at www.linvillememorial.com

Linville Memorial Funeral Home and Crematory

Eclectic, Alabama