Raphael Louie Go's Obituary
Raphael L. Go of Bartlett, TN, passed away on August13, 2014 at St. Francis Hospital of Bartlett after a short illness. He remained active until the time of his death at the age of 89. Also he was the longest living member in his family.Raphael Louie Go was born on December 22, 1924 in Canton, China. The son of a pharmacist, his father was a major in the Chinese Army as well as an owner of a movie theater, explaining his love of American cinema. Yearning to become an American citizen from what was depicted in the movies, he emigrated to the United States at the age of 25. After becoming an American citizen, he was drafted into the United Stated Army during the Korean War, serving one tour of duty and stationed in Germany and Switzerland. Upon his discharge from military service, he moved to San Francisco , then Marianna, AR, working odd jobs to make a living. In pursuit of a bride, he met and married Chiu Yit-Kum (Comfort Chiu) in Hong Kong in 1957, and they remained together until her death in 2008 (51 years). The newly married couple first moved to San Francisco and finally settled in Memphis, TN where he remained until his death. While in Memphis, he owned and operated a series of grocery stores until his retirement in 1989.He was a member of the Memphis Chinese Business Association, which later became the Mid-South Chinese Association, since its inception. Raphael was an enthusiastic amateur photographer and gun advocate and was made an honorary Deputy by Sherriff Gene Barksdale in the 1970’s. Besides passing away 6 years after the death of his beloved wife, Comfort L. Go, he leaves his sister, Jeannie Chew of San Francisco, Ca and Mei Chin of Pittsburgh, PA.In addition, he leaves his children, Mrs. Laura Malone and Paul Go of Memphis, TN, Peter C. Go of Prattville, AL, Dr. John L. Go of Los Angeles, CA, and his grandchildren, Holly, Steven, Alex, Jennifer, and Parker Go.The family will receive friends from 5-8 p.m. Friday, August 22 and the funeral service 1 p.m. Saturday, August 23 all at Memorial Park Funeral Home.Funeral arrangements have been entrusted to Memorial Park Funeral Home and Cemetery, 5668 Poplar Ave, Memphis, TN 38119, “Behind the Stone Wall.”
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