Gene Edward Godwin

Mr. Gene Edward Godwin, 88, husband of Norma Gladding Godwin and a resident of Bloxom, VA passed away at his home on Friday, August 26, 2016.

Born September 24, 1927 in Hallwood, VA, he was the son of the late Norman James Godwin, Sr. and Ella Watson Godwin.  Gene graduated from Bloxom High School and attended Brevard Engineering College; was a World War II era veteran serving his country in the United States Navy; was a devoted member of Bethel Baptist Church, where he faithfully served as a Deacon, Trustee, Sunday School Secretary, Treasurer, and on many other committees; was a member of the Central Lodge #300, A.F. & A.M. for fifty-nine years; and a member of the Scottish Rite Bodies.  He was the Airport Manager and Project Coordinator with NASA’s Wallops Flight Facility, retiring in 1989 after thirty-nine years of service.

Gene had a great love of sports, especially softball and baseball; played on the Metompkin Spuds and several other local teams; and coached youth baseball and football.

In addition to his loving wife of sixty-four years, survivors include his children, Paula Godwin Kirk and her husband Ron of Lenoir City, TN; Gary Gladding Godwin and his wife Karol of Ramona, CA; and Marla Ann Godwin of Virginia Beach, VA; his grandchildren, Katherine Kirk Gray (Roger) of Greeneville, TN; David Kirk (Michelle) of Knoxville, TN; Lucas Godwin, Lindsey Godwin and Logan Godwin of Ramona, CA; and Megan Michelle Mitchell of Virginia Beach, VA; his great-grandchildren, Joshua Kirk, Jessica Kirk and Jonathan Kirk; his brother, Ralph Godwin and his wife Linda of Bloxom, VA; his brother-in-law, Calvin Gladding of Hallwood, VA; and several nieces and nephews.  In addition to his parents, he was predeceased by brothers, Norman Godwin, Jr. and William Godwin; and sisters, Mary Young and Sarah Koss.

Funeral services will be conducted from the chapel of the Williams-Parksley Funeral Home on Tuesday, August 30, 2016 at 2:00 p.m., with The Reverend John Gillespie officiating.   Interment will follow in the Bethel Baptist Church Cemetery, Bloxom, VA.  The family will receive friends at the funeral home one hour prior to the service. 

Flowers will be accepted, or memorial donations may be made to Bethel Baptist Church, C/O Catherine Grant, P.O. Box 58, New Church, VA 23415.

Memory tributes may be shared with the family at www.williamsfuneralhomes.com.

Arrangements by the Williams-Parksley Funeral Home.