Celebrating The Life of Andy Gould

Longtime member of Ox Hill Baptist Church, Andy Gould, died September 3, 2022. We grieve his death alongside his family, but are grateful for Andy’s faith and lasting legacy. Andy and Hilda joined Ox Hill in January 1969, and Andy has served as a Deacon, Chairman of the Properties Committee, and was known as “a person who can get things done.” Andy and Hilda were the first leaders of the Silver Threads at Ox Hill when the group was formed in 1990.

Remembering the Life of Andy Gould

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Andy came south to find his future bride and married her on May 23, 1953 in McLean, VA. Andy, hailing from Stonington, CT went to sea with the U.S. Navy in 1948, serving mostly aboard the heavy cruiser, U.S.S. Albany CA 123. Andy said he came from a “mixed” church family in Connecticut, one side Baptist, the other Methodist. During his time home, ported in Norfolk, VA, Andy was attending a fire control training course in Anacostia when he met Hilda, who is a native of McLean.

McLean was a small rural community then, Hilda Croson, the youngest of three children. All of us, she relates, were blessed with a Christian upbringing. She grew up going to McLean Baptist Church where both her baptism and wedding took place.

Andy served in the Navy for six years, having numerous cruises to the Mediterranean Sea and, after discharge, worked for the Melpar Electronics Company for five years. During the next 26 years he worked for the David Taylor Model Basin in the Submarine Silencing Department.

Andy and Hilda have been active in their local churches. They joined Ox Hill Baptist Church in January of 1969. At OHBC Andy has been a deacon, chairman of the properties committee and known as “a person who can get things done.” Andy and Hilda were the first leaders of the Silver Threads at Ox Hill when it was formed in 1990.

After spending 68 years in Fairfax County, Andy & Hilda relocated to Southport, NC, in May of 2021. They became “watch” members at Shoreline Baptist Church. They hosted a weekly Bible study in their home; the study was conducted by their neighbor and friend.

Andy enjoyed afternoons in his rocking chair in the garage, speaking to all the folks that walked by. He had a scooter that he often would ride around the neighborhood.  His favorite outing was to get a cup of coffee and a doughnut and go sit at the Southport waterfront or to sit at the beach at Oak Island. As Andy became homebound, he thoroughly enjoyed his weekly visits by The American Legion, Post 543 volunteers.

Andy’s family would like to give a special Thank You to the Lower Cape Fear Hospice & Life Care, Nurses, Social Workers and Aides, and to their team at the Care Center facility.