Elvis Presley’s memory strong for Laurel family

By Jason Niblett, newseditor@laurelleadercall.com

January 07, 2008 09:44 am

— They aren’t some of the die hard fans who believe Elvis Presley is still alive, but with his birthday approaching Tuesday, at least one Laurel woman and her family will honor Presley’s memory as if he were still here.
Elvis Presley was born January 8, 1935, in Tupelo. He signed an unprecedented contract with a record company in late 1955, and his fame exploded in 1956 worldwide. He died in 1977, two years before Stephanie Goodrich was born.
“I love him. He is awesome,” she said. Stephanie’s the true fan, but her husband, Kendal, and her children, Devan and Dylan, are also becoming bigger fans as time goes on. She has even named two of their children after The King; Dylan’s middle name is Presley, and an infant daughter who passed away of SIDS last April was given the name Gracelynn. Elvis music played at her funeral.
Stephanie’s collection started when she was a young child. She said everyone knew to give her something Elvis-related for Christmas gifts and birthdays, and that trend has continued.
“I hear his voice and I get chills,” Stephanie said.
She has also set herself goals for major purchases, which she has been able to complete over recent years. Stephanie recently acquired her first Elvis Presley gold record.
“I’ve got so much stuff I love and it has come from all over the world,” she said.
Kendal stepped in after a few purchases on eBay.
“Years ago she got in trouble getting some of her things on eBay,” he said. “She’s still grounded from eBay. I don’t know what of this came from eBay.”
“I do,” Stephanie said with a sly smile.
Her husband and children take her collection and fondness for Elvis in stride. Kendal said he wasn’t much of an Elvis fan when he met his bride, who he met when they were 16 years old. But, that changed over the years.
“Since we’ve been together, I developed more respect and appreciation for him,” he said. “I like a lot of his movies.”
“He was such a giver,” Stephanie pointed out. “There’s a wall in Graceland of canceled checks where he gave so much. He was constantly writing checks. There’s so many stars now who don’t do that.”
Stephanie’s collection also includes 66 albums, movies, TV Guides, watches, and other items. There is a Memphis newspaper still sealed from the day of his death. Then, there are unmarked United States Postal Service Elvis stamps and a coaster set in its box from the 60s. She said it finally got to the point where the family felt they needed some protection in their home. That’s when they got their security system and planned for more electronic methods of securing their home.
“The main reason for the security system of course is for my family, but also for my Elvis things,” she said.
The room is a sort of sanctuary for Stephanie and her family. Elvis albums play in the room 24 hours each day of the year. There are more items on her list, but they are just about out of room. She said they can solve that problem by adding onto the house, but Kendal said he and their sons want a game room.
“I want a game room,” he joked. “You got your Elvis room and I still don’t have my game room.”
Expanding the house for a game room or more Elvis space may have to wait, however. Kendal and Stephanie said they are now expecting another child.

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