Billy Frank Godwin

Graveside services for Billy Frank Godwin, 86 of Pavo will be held at 11:00 am, Wednesday, March 4, 2015 at Sunset Memorial Gardens. Rev. Wayne Goff will officiate. Mr. Godwin was born April 20, 1928 in Whigham, GA to David Elijah “Babe” Godwin and Melinda Bell Pollock Godwin. Bill attended Pawnee Elementary school in Elpino, GA and then Cairo High School. In 1945 Bill joined the U.S. Navy and served on the USS Capricornus (AKA-57) and then on the USS Cascade from 1947 to 1949. He received the Good Conduct Citation, 946-Award for actions for helping save the Capricornus, WWII Victory Medal, American Area Campaign Medal, Navy Occupation Service Medal of Capricornus, Asiatic Pacific Campaign Medal and on April 14, 2011 the Cross of Military Service (United Daughters of the Confederacy). He was honorably discharged April 19, 1949. He was a member of the Am vets, American Legion, VFW and DAV. On May 6, 1950 Bill married the love of his life, Dorothy Jordan. Together they shared their life raising their children in Thomas County. He retired from Valdosta State College in 1992 and spent his time as a dedicated, loving caregiver to Dorothy until her death in 2008. They enjoyed fishing, long talks, gardening and canning together. Bill is preceded in death by his parents, David Elijah “Babe” and Melinda Bell Pollock Godwin, his wife, Dorothy Jordan Godwin, a son, Phillip James Godwin, and his siblings – Annabelle Godwin, Arnold Godwin, James Godwin, Bobby Godwin, Allen Godwin, JessRoy Godwin, and Hazel Godwin Bozeman. He is survived by daughters, Phyllis Godwin Hiers (Jim) and Helen Godwin Murray (Farrell Hiers). Grandchildren, Norman E. “Bo” Cone, Jr., Jennifer Godwin Williams, Paula Cone Vinson, Jonathan Godwin, Stacy Murray, Cory Hall, Amy Hiers, Katie Hiers Cutillo. Great Grandchildren, David Tyler Williams, Hannah Cone, Rylee Vinson, Connor Cone, Kalli Vinson, Camryn Cone, Kenley Taylor, Landon Hall, Adriana Cutillo. Brother, Fred Godwin (Connie), Sister in Law – Geneva Godwin, numerous nieces and nephews, friends and a very special caregiver, Sherry Pearce. Bill loved the Lord and enjoyed sharing his salvation experience with anyone who took the time to listen. The family will receive friends 6-8 pm, Tuesday at the funeral home.