David Howard Godfrey

David Howard Godfrey, retired Chief Petty Officer of the U.S. Navy that served in the Gulf War and former Senior Weather Observer for the National Weather Service at the Charlotte-Douglas International Airport, passed peacefully in the loving hands of his family on January 30th, 2017 at the age of 61 after a 5 month-long valiant battle against pancreatic cancer.

David is survived by the love of his life, wife, and best friend, Susan Godfrey, his six children that are his greatest pride and joy, Jenalyn Futalan, Sharon Jane Lewis married to Brandon Lewis, Nathan Howard, Patrick David, Joel Walter and Asia Marie, two granddaughters Addison Jane and Tori-Ann Jane, and two brothers Matthew William, with daughter Shelby Rose, married to Donna Zack-Godfrey and John Wesley married to Lisa Godfrey.

David was born in Toledo, Ohio on January 23rd, 1956 to Rosemary Matthews and Howard Godfrey. He graduated from Roy C. Start High School in 1974 and briefly attended the University of Toledo before joining the U.S. Navy where he embarked on adventures that would last a lifetime. It was during his service that he met his wife and, together, they were given the privilege of traveling the world and making glorious memories.

David was an exceptionally devoted husband and father that enjoyed being the guiding light of those around him. Most will regard him as a steady man who loved deeply and would give until he had nothing left. He was a man of God with deeply rooted faith. During his younger years, he had a lively spirit with a thirst for adventure. His hobbies included delving into literary adventures, home improvement, fishing, tinkering with technology, and learning new crafts. A simple man who never liked being the center of attention, he was always happy to go with the flow and be on the ride of life. He will be eternally missed by all who knew and loved him.

A service will be held at 12:00 PM on February 3rd at Hayworth-Miller Funeral Home Silas Creek Chapel in Winston-Salem, NC. The service will be led by Dale Chaplin, a close family friend. The family asks that those that are unable to attend the service observe a moment of prayer for fair winds and following seas on his journey to Heaven. Because of his bright and selfless soul, the family asks that in lieu of flowers, donations be made to the National Pancreatic Cancer Foundation, the Wake Forest Baptist Health - Comprehensive Cancer Center, or the Kate B. Reynolds Hospice Home in Winston-Salem where he spent the remainder of his life.

Previous Events