Thomas Marvin Godfrey : Obituary

Thomas Marvin Godfrey, Sr., 83, of McCaysville, Georgia, went to be with the Lord on Thursday, 24 May 2012, after a brief illness. The last surviving sibling of the large Godfrey clan (Rene, Bud, Robert, Franklin, Bonnie, Mary Lou, Sis, Evie, and Helen), Marvin is survived by his wife of 62 years, Betty Thomas Godfrey, daughter Pam Godfrey Younker and her husband Ron Younker of Marietta, and son Thomas Marvin Godfrey, Jr. (Marty) and his wife Becky Finfrock Godfrey of Powder Springs. Grandchildren who adored their “Dada” also survive: David Younker and wife Kate Hansen Younker of Newnan; Matthew Godfrey and wife Laura Ward Godfrey of Woodstock; Dr. John Younker and fiancée Sarah Stokes of Atlanta; Christopher Godfrey of Dallas, Texas; Stephanie Godfrey, a student at Mississippi State University. Also surviving are beloved sisters-in-law Kathryn Godfrey, Wilma Godfrey, Motsy Godfrey, and brother-in-law Milton Holmes. June and John Thomas, sister-in-law and her husband, also survive along with many caring and loving nieces, nephews and their spouses.

Marvin served in the United States Marine Corps during the Korean War, then returned home to become an accomplished brick mason. He became an employee of Tennessee Copper Company, then Cities Service Company where he was Maintenance Superintendent of the Copper System. Never one to sit still, after his retirement, Marvin became a real estate agent. Active in his church, First Baptist Church of McCaysville, as a Deacon and Sunday School Director, Marvin also taught all of his grandchildren to drive a car and a tractor, and to play golf. A true servant leader who encouraged, inspired, and most particularly, loved God, his family, and his country, Marvin Godfrey will be missed by many. We honor his life and his legacy.

The funeral for Thomas Marvin Godfrey, Sr. will be on Sunday, 27 May at 3 p.m. at First Baptist Church McCaysville, Georgia/Copperhill, Tennessee, located at 104 Toccoa Street, McCaysville, Georgia 30555. Pastor Matthew McDaniel and Rev. Marty Godfrey will officiate. Graveside service with U.S. Marine Military Honors will follow at Copper Ridge Memory Gardens at 5724 Blue Ridge Drive, Blue Ridge, Georgia 30513. Pallbearers are: Jiles Marty Godfrey; Danny Joslin; Robert Arp; Terry Arp; Gus Vasquez; Don Clement; Jerry Pack; Bob Welch.

Visitation with the family will be on Saturday, 26 May from 5 p.m. until 9 p.m. at Akins Funeral Home, 7871 Blue Ridge Drive, Blue Ridge, Georgia 30513. A United States Marine, in addition to his regular duties, Marvin served as the Chaplain’s Assistant. He knew the importance of a relationship with God and how it permeates into every element of a person’s being. Love of God, family, and country was cornerstone to his life. In keeping with the importance of faith and helping others, we are asking any donations be made to save the Chapel at Dobbins Air Reserve Base from demolition. Contributions may be made in memory of Thomas Marvin Godfrey to: Dobbins Chapel Foundation, Inc. 1311 Patrol Road, Dobbins ARB, GA 30069.

Condolences may be sent to the family at www.akinsfuneralhome.com. Akins Funeral Home of Blue Ridge is in charge of the arrangements.