A special tribute was made in memory of the late Clermont City Council Member Ray Goodgame.

The Clermont City Council and City Manager Darren Gray presented a proclamation and plaque to his family at the Aug. 13 meeting, declaring the date as Ray Goodgame Day.

“Ray was a true Champion for Clermont,” Gray said. “He was very passionate about our community and was heavily involved in many organizations. He will be missed.”

Goodgame’s wife, Judy, and daughter, Lisa Skul, took part in the presentation. They expressed appreciation for all the city and staff has done.

Ray Goodgame, 85, served for 15 years on Seat 2 and lived in Kings Ridge for 17 years. He was recently nominated for the Florida League of Cities’ “E. Harris Drew” Municipal Official Lifetime Achievement Award. He passed away on July 28.

Among his achievements, Goodgame served as the past chairman of the Lake-Sumter Metropolitan Planning Organization, past president of the Clermont Historical Society, a board member and liaison of the Cooper Memorial Library Association, a board member of the Community Foundation of South Lake, and a member of the South Lake Transportation Task Force, West Orange-South Lake Transportation and Economic Development Task Force, South Lake Chamber of Commerce, Clermont Kiwanis Club and Lions Club. He also served on the Tourism Development Council and on the Firefighters Pension Board of Trustees.

A big proponent of affordable housing for seniors, Goodgame worked closely with New Beginnings, as well as advocated for city involvement in a Feed Clermont program for hungry citizens.