William Godwin, Jr.

william godwin, jr.
William Francis "Buddy" Godwin, Jr. 94 years old, passed away, May 26, 2017. The world lost an amazing man; a man of integrity, honor, devotion and Christian love. He was the epitome of a gentleman who provided and nurtured his wife, children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren all of his life. Born in Valdosta, Ga. on Mothers Day to W.F. Godwin and Mazie White, Godwin attended the University of Miami on a golf scholarship, before he joined the Navy in 1942. He served his country faithfully and heroically during World War II, deployed on the USS Boston. After the war, he worked for PanAm in Texas. He toured briefly as professional golfer, had a career as a teaching golf pro at the Country Club of Asheville. Later worked for Reynolds Real Estate in Coral Gables, FL. and also owned Rae's Stationary in FL. In 1947 he met his wife of 64 years - the late Josephine Jarvis Reynolds. His late sister, Constance Godwin introduced them. They married in Coral Gables, FL. and raised a family there and in Asheville, NC. In addition to his wife and sister, Godwin was preceded in death by his beloved son Frank Godwin III. He is survived by daughters Cynthia (Gary) Lewis and Connie (Chris) Morgan. He is also survived by daughter in law Robin Godwin. He was blessed to know 7 grandchildren and 13 great grandchildren. They all knew him affectionately as, "Daddy Go-Go." He lived his life by showing the depth of his love through his actions, always very considerate, kind hearted, and had a wonderful sense of humor, which he displayed with his eyes, his smile, and his many unique bi-lingual catch-phrases. Dad, we love you and will miss you more than words can express. We will think of you everyday and we still hear your voice through the tremendous impact you've had on our family. We were blessed to have been loved by you, and will endeavor to honor you by living our lives as you did. Funeral service will be held on Sept. 8th, 2017 at Calvary Episcopal Church, Fletcher, NC 28732 at 4pm with a celebration of his life following in the Church Hall.

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  1. SO SAD FOR THE LOSS OF A GREAT MAN, HE WAS A VERY SPECIAL PERSON. I KNEW HIM SEVERAL YEARS AGO AND HIS WONDERFUL WIFE. THEY WERE VERY GIVEN PEOPLE. PAT ALLEN DUNCAN< SENT FOR DAUGHTER, CHERYL LINGERFELT NICK< LIVING NOW IN SWITZERLAND>TO ALL THE GODWIN FAMILY WITH GREAT MEMORIES & Love

  2. I enjoyed golf and many days of setback with the perfect gentleman at all times, Buddy Godwin. He was an example to us all. Due to the fact that Buddy was not active in tournaments over the years in Western North Carolina, not enough was known about the outstanding quality of his golf game. No doubt one of the best ever in these parts. I remember playing with Buddy back in the early 1970s at the Country Club of Asheville (now the Grove Park Inn course) when he made seven birdies on the front nine. We will all miss him.

    Respectfully, Charlie Price

  3. To the Family of William ‘Buddy’ Godwin, Jr.,

    It is so clear, just from reading his obituary that ‘Buddy’ lived a very fulfilling and deeply loved life. So sorry to hear of your loss. May the memoirs of your loved one provide joy, peace and smiles throughout your grieving process and comfort in knowing that God holds on to memoirs of ‘Buddy’ as well with the desire to bring him back to life to be with his clearly, loving family again. (Job 14:13) With deepest sympathy,

    The Dillahunts

  4. I am so fortunate to have been able to share many an afternoon with Buddy and other friends. I know we all miss him, his humor, his stories and his graciousness. I will forever treasure the putter with his name engraved on it that he gave me one day. A truly great man.

  5. My condolences to you and your family on the loss of your dear loved one. Losing a loved one is a distressing and painful time. We have assurance from God’s word at Psalm 34:18 that he is near to those brokenhearted and he saves those crushed in spirit. It is my hope that your family will find strength to endure during the days ahead.

  6. I am so sorry for the loss of your dear loved one. There is a very comforting scripture found at Isaiah 25:8. It says that soon Jehovah will swallow up death forever and that he will wipe away all of the tears. So we can look forward to a time when death will be done away with forever. I hope that this scripture can bring some comfort during this time.

  7. My condolences to the family. Those we hold closest to our hearts leave us with memories to treasure. May the kindness he had shared and the love he brought into your hearts strengthen you. May the Almighty God (Psalms 83:18) bring lasting comfort and peace to the family during this difficult time.

  8. Connie, I am so very sorry to hear of your father’s passing. He was always so kind and sweet to me. He was a Wonderful man. My thoughts and prayers are with you. God Bless You All.


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