William Chesley “Willie” Godwin
February 1, 1940 – February 8, 2020
Funeral services for William Chesley “Willie” Godwin, 80, of Cairo, GA, are at 3:00 p.m., Monday, February 10, 2020, at the Chapel of Clark Funeral Home, Cairo, GA. Rev. Jason Bennett will officiate. Interment will be in Greenwood Cemetery, Cairo, GA. Jarred Robinson and Justin Robinson will speak at the graveside. Mr. Godwin passed away at his home in Cairo, GA, on Saturday, February 8, 2020.
Active pallbearers will be Jarred Robinson, Justin Robinson, Stephen Robinson, James Cason, Eric Smith, Tony Godwin, Bill Gainous and Michael Godwin.
Mr. Godwin was born on February 1, 1940, in Climax, GA, to the late Charles Clowers Godwin and Essie Mae Ritter Godwin. On April 25, 1959, he married Elizabeth Hawthorn Godwin, who survives. They were married for 60 years. He was the owner and operator of Godwin’s Garage in Cairo for many years. He never met a stranger and was a friend to all. Willie loved his wife, his girls, his grandkids and all his family. He was a member of Gordon Heights Baptist Church.
Survivors include: his wife, Elizabeth Hawthorn Godwin of Cairo, GA; daughters, Kay Griner of Cairo, GA, Barbara Robinson (Robbie) of Franklin, TN, Connie Rykard (Maurice) of Cairo, GA; grandchildren, Jarred Robinson (Amanda) of Etheridge,TN, Justin Robinson (Miranda) of Thompson Station,TN, Brittany Cason (James) of Cairo, GA; great-grandchildren, Sierra Robinson, Savannah Robinson, Seth Robinson, Sawyer Robinson, all of Etheridge,TN, Stephen Robinson, Silas Robinson, Sean Robinson, Samuel Robinson, all of Thompson Station, TN; brother, Johnny Godwin (Mary Alice) of Thomasville, GA; sister, Gloria Gean Hawthorn of Harlem, GA; sisters-in-law, Linda Godwin, Juanita Godwin; grand-dogs, Bandit, Darcy Bell and Jack; and a host of nieces, nephews and extended family.
He was preceded in death by: his parents; his granddaughter, Tiffany Rykard; great-grandson, Kristopher Robinson; sisters, Audrey Godwin Hawthorne, infant sister, Grace Torres, Lee Hodges, Gladys Adcock; and brothers, Clowers Godwin, Jr., Buford Godwin, Buster Godwin, Jay Godwin.
The family wants to extend a special thank you to his caregivers, Janet Washington, Nikki Hicks and special friends, Jordan and Eric Smith, Connie Lee.
Memorials may be made in Mr. Godwin’s memory to: Cairo High School, Automotive Department, 455 5th Street S.E., Cairo, GA 39828; or Bethany Hospice & Palliative Care, 2012 E. Pinetree Blvd, Suite A, Thomasville, GA 31792.
The family will receive friends at Clark Funeral Home on Sunday, February 9, 2020, from 4:00 p.m. until 6:00 p.m.
