Roy Gene Godwin, 86, of Gulf Breeze, FL, passed away peacefully in the comfort of his
home, surrounded by his loving family on December 4, 2023.
Known affectionately as Gene by his family, Roy was born in Oak Grove, FL, on May 29,
1937, to William Otto Godwin and Revor Mae (Eddins) Godwin.
He is preceded in death by his beloved wife, Barbara (Bobbie) Louise Pinney Godwin, his
eldest daughter Deborah (Sidney) Snipes, and his parents William Otto Godwin and
Revor Mae (Eddins) Godwin.
Left to cherish his memory are his sister, Bobbie Carroll of Pensacola, FL, his brother,
Rick Godwin of Gulf Breeze, FL, and three devoted daughters: Beverley and (Larry) Garcia
of El Paso, Texas; Melissa and (Ray) Eagley of Gulf Breeze, FL; and Dena and (Danny)
Hernandez of Washington, DC.
Roy leaves behind a lasting legacy through his eight grandchildren: Andrea and
(Michael) Pecukaitis of Arnold, MD; Marla and (Wade) White of El Paso, TX; Michael and
(Kara) Garcia of Rio Rancho, NM; Ryan and (Dorothy) Garcia of S. Jordan, UT; Gillian and
(Taylor) Moderow of Dayton, OH; Tanner Eagley of Palmer, AK; Maddie and (Wyatt)
Roop of Portland, OR; and Chase Hernandez of Washington, DC. He is also survived by
eight great-grandchildren, including Grayson Pecukaitis, Billy and Wyler White, Fiona
and Jack Garcia, Penelope Moderow, and Palmer and Waylon Eagley.
Roy's early years were filled with a boyhood passion for fishing and hunting, often
shared with friends and family. At the age of 14, he was employed and embarked on a
journey driving a 7-UP truck across the Pensacola Bay Bridge, a tale that became legend
among those who knew him well.
He attended Pensacola High School and a became a distinguished veteran of the U.S.
Air Force. Roy served with honor during the Vietnam War, reaching the highest Enlisted
rank of Chief Master Sergeant. His military service took him and his family to various
corners of the world, including London, England; Taichung, Taiwan; and Madrid, Spain,
where he and Bobbie embraced diverse cultures and forged lifelong friendships.
Roy's unwavering work ethic and leadership abilities not only defined his military career
but also propelled him to success in the realm of Real Estate, following his retirement
from the Air Force. He played a pivotal role in the development of Tiger Point Village
and surrounding area in Gulf Breeze, leaving an indelible mark on the community where
he and Bobbie found joy in lasting friendships and the unique Gulf Coast lifestyle.
As a dedicated patriarch, Roy modeled loyalty, integrity, and righteousness. He offered
encouragement, mentorship, and assistance to his family and countless individuals
throughout his lifetime.
Roy's positive and creative spirit, coupled with his deep interest in people and the world,
persisted until the very end.
The family expresses heartfelt gratitude to all those who were a part of Dad’s life. We are
especially thankful for Santernet Sims and Liz Acosta who supported our parents during
their twilight years within their home.
In lieu of flowers, please send donations to Midway Fire District, Station #37, 1322 College
Parkway, Gulf Breeze, FL 32563. Donations of money or food gift cards can be mailed or
dropped-off at the station on behalf of the Roy Godwin Family. Donations are for the first
responders, who were always there when called.
A service will be held at 1PM on December 11, 2023 at Barrancas National Cemetery.
To attend the service, please join the funeral procession into NAS. Please meet at 12:15PM at
The Olive Baptist Church, located at 103 W. Winthrop Ave, Pensacola, FL 32507.
Monday, December 11, 2023
1:00 - 1:30 pm (Central time)
Barrancas National Cemetery
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