The Nashville Chamber of Commerce held their Volunteer of the Year Banquet last night and Dr. Gary Goforth was the recipient of this year’s award.  It was one of the best attended, if not the most attended of all time.  It was also the longest, as emcee Bo Meyer had plenty to talk about and roast of the good doctor.  Then, it was Goforth’s turn.  He ran through his top ten in his life, but it was more like walked through with an 85 minute speech.  It was great fun as he told the story of his life, but to condense, here is his top ten, which is Education, Friends, Sports, Health, Community, the Practice, Staff, Doctors, Family and Faith.  His father and grandfather worked in education, and he valued it as it was important.  Nearly 20 minutes later he said friends was next and while he said he is not very social, he does have some good friends, including some responsible for him coming to the Nashville – Okawville area in 1975.  Goforth played basketball and loves it as well as football.  He talked about being part of both Nashville and Okawville communities, and how great it is to live in Nashville.  He also talked about how he likes the way he practices medicine and gives the patients the time that they need and deserve.  He also thanked his staff and how he could not do it without them, especially those that have been there for many years.  He mentioned many times how Doctors Coy and Kelly were important to him, but he also mentioned Charlie Longwell setting the precedent on working for the community.  He talked throughout the night about family and his sons and daughter, as well as his wives.  Finally, he talked about faith and God.  He said he can give medicine and help patients along, but God heals them.  It was a special night for a special individual who has been a part of the Lions for nearly 40 years and volunteered his time to the many sports teams in Nashville, Okawville and Pinckneyville, but also for the time he spends with his patients.