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Jerry Elliott Godwin Sr.

FUNERAL HOME

Carolina Funeral Home & Gardens

7113 Rivers Ave

Charleston, South Carolina

Jerry Godwin Obituary

Jerry Elliott Godwin, Sr. N. CHARLESTON - Our dear Lord welcomed home his loyal servant, Jerry Elliott Godwin, Sr. on Tuesday, January 17, 2017. Born in Florence, SC on September 19, 1943, Jerry was the youngest son of Charlie Mahaffey Godwin and Opal Hanna Godwin. After graduating from the Opportunity School in Columbia, SC, he moved to Charleston, SC and later began his long career with SCE&G in July of 1965. During his forty-six year tenure, he held numerous positions and was transferred to different locations throughout the state, moving back to Charleston in 1996 assuming the position as Right-of-Way Administrator, a position he held until he retired in 2011. He joined the North Charleston (SC) Jaycee chapter in 1968 as a way to become involved in his beloved Charleston and made significant contributions to his local community, the state, and national Jaycee organizations. Starting with projects like "Honey Sunday", Jerry went on to hold both internal and external director positions. In the early 1980's he began working with South Carolina chapters and neighboring states to form what became known as the SC Jaycee Palmetto Corps. Chartered in 1982, Jerry served as the first Commander. He continued working and advising chapters within the state and assisted as a National Judge for the USJC Awards Committee, later serving as a USJC National Judge from 1985 to 1992. As his contributions increased, he was given the highest international honor in the US Jaycees, a Senatorship. In 1988, he was recognized as USJC Ambassador, forming the SC Ambassador Club and served as First Consul General. His outstanding leadership skills won him the title of US Jaycee International Region IV Vice President. He taught many members their priority in Life... God, Family, Job, and Jaycees. Family, especially children, were his heart. He considered the Jaycees his second family and they reciprocated those feelings. Having attained the three highest levels in the Jaycees organization: Palmetto Corps, Senator, and Ambassador, he is the first member in South Carolina to receive the designation as a holder of a Triple Crown. Jerry was an ardent supporter of Jaycee Camp Hope, a residential summer camp for individuals with cognitive disabilities. He organized the initial Camp Hope "Clean Up Day" for Palmetto Corps Commanders and was a fixture at Camp Hope Sunday. The camp was very near and dear to him and he continued to support the camp by volunteering his time and with monetary donation annually. Jerry was a long time member of the Elks Association in South Carolina. He was initiated in October of 1972 into Charleston Lodge No. 242 and became affiliated with several other lodges as his work took him around the state; holding different positions and volunteering and also a member of the Charleston Rifle Club, where he could often be found assisting committee chairmen in any way needed. His love for his fellowman was demonstrated in many ways. His generous support of many charities, his commitment to the Red Cross blood drives for many years and continued donation of platelets to help those in need. He never met a stranger, enjoyed telling stories, relaying historical information about Charleston and the surrounding areas, quoting from his "Gullah" bible and entertaining children were just a few of his passions. He is survived by his wife, Ellen; sister, Charlotte Humphries; daughters, Lisa Wood (Todd), Andrea Godwin (Romania White), Denessa Smith (Ed), Tiffany Cecil (Rusty Farr), Ruth Anne Venable (Louis), Rhonda Mayfield (Larry) and Laura Smith; sixteen grandchildren, two great-grandchildren; as well as many nieces and nephews. In addition to his parents, he was predeceased by his son, Jerry, Jr. and two brothers, Denny and Byron. Visitation will be at 2:00 pm at Carolina Memorial Funeral Home, 7113 Rivers Ave., Charleston, SC, on Tuesday, January 24, 2017 followed by a memorial service at 3:00 pm. In lieu of flowers, donations in Jerry's memory can be made in support of Camp Hope and mailed to: South Carolina Jaycee Foundation, c/o Rodney Stone, 323 Gentry Run, Greenwood, SC 29649; or to Loris First Baptist Church, 3117 Main Street, Loris, SC 29569; or to a charity of your choice. Expressions of sympathy may be viewed or submitted on-line at www.Carolinamemorial.com. Visit our guestbook at www.legacy.com/obituaries/ charleston

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Published by Charleston Post & Courier from Jan. 21 to Jan. 22, 2017.

Memories and Condolences
for Jerry Godwin

33 Entries

Joel R. & Priscilla Larkin

January 24, 2019

Jerry always made the people he interacted with better human beings. He always had a smile on his face and made others around him smile..May he Rest In Peace and eternally be bathed in the Eternal Light and Grace of Our Lord Jesus Christ. May God Bless Ellen and his family.

January 24, 2017

My condolences to Ellen and the family. Look to the hills from whence cometh your help.

Carol C. Brock.

Sue and Carey Evans

January 23, 2017

Ellen, my prayers will continue for your peace. Also, prayers for all family members at this time.
Jerry was a very kind southern gentleman with a great smile. Carey and I cannot attend tomorrow but we want you to know, you and family will be in our thoughts.

Scott Smith

January 23, 2017

I offer my most sincere condolences to all of Jerry's family and friends. I knew Jerry for many years through our mutual involvement in the Lowcountry Utility Coordinating Committee. His SCE&G experience, smiles, stories, jokes, and gentle spirit made it a pleasure to be with him. I always looked forward to seeing him at our monthly meetings and meals, for which he was our dedicated "grace giver." I will miss him dearly, and pray that his family will find peace in knowing that he was a true man of faith in his Lord.

Gwen Bridges

January 23, 2017

Lisa and Andrea, I am so sorry about the loss of your

dad. I know he meant a lot to you. I always thought a lot of Jerry. Sorry we are not going to be able to be at the services. We were hoping to be able to. But know our thoughts and prayers will be with you.

tom masi

January 23, 2017

Our thoughts and prayers are with Ellen, Charlotte, Denessa and other family members as we mourn the loss of Jerry, husband, brother, and father. Tom & I will miss his humor, smile and wit. May Jerry have eternal peace. Love to all of you.
Nanette Piccirillo & Tom Masi

Danny and Deb Jenkins

January 23, 2017

Deepest sympathy to Ellen and the Godwin Family. We met Jerry in the Jaycee organization. Jerry impacted so many lives. He was a teacher and mentor to many of us. He will be missed. Our prayers are with you.

Frank Dickson Senator & Palmetto Corp

January 23, 2017

Jerry,

Thanks for the memories, and for extending your right hand to so many fellow Jaycees! I'll never forget the way you and the North Charleston Jaycees always made feel like part of your family. I know when you got to heaven and the doors opened, the angels said please stand here come another special angel!!!I'll always remember that Smile.

January 23, 2017

Joe and Ann larose

Ann LaRose

January 23, 2017

Our hearts and prayers will be with you during this difficult and sad time. He was such a kind soul. Helped so many people find their way. Our love to Jerry's family now and always. Ann and Joe LaRose

Ed & Alice Kinlaw

January 22, 2017

Sorry to hear of Jerry passing, our thoughts and prayers are with the family.

Monnie and Karl Voss

January 22, 2017

Deepest sympathy to Ellen and the Godwin family, and dear sister Charlotte! Our thoughts and prayers are with you!

Ray Baskette

January 22, 2017

I have known Jerry for over 30 years and he was always a good friend,advisor and gentleman. I will miss him at theCorps meetings.His family are in my prayers at this time.

David and Robin Bray

January 22, 2017

Jerry will always be remembered as an Elk. His year as my leading night will forever be in my heart. He was a good friend and an even better person. He gave of himself freely and completely. Always with true southern grace and charm.A better man and gentlemen will never be found. You my friend will be missed.

The Laffey's

January 22, 2017

To the Godwin family, we extend our heartfelt sympathy. Jerry's kindness and his glowing smile was contagious with anyone he came in contact with. Jerry's love and his inspiring life stories taught us so much. He will be deeply missed!

Adeline Ferdon

January 22, 2017

Ellen, I am so saddened to hear of your precious husband's passing.
even though I met him only once I could tell how much he loved you.
He was a great man and he will be missed greatly.
Love and GOD bless you,
Adeline Ferdon

Rodney Travis

January 22, 2017

I have enjoyed knowing Jerry since 2009 and will miss him as I have missed my good friend his son over the years.

Cathy Hyatt

January 21, 2017

Dear Ellen & family,
I am so very sorry for your loss. Jerry was a very friendly man who always had a smile on his face. My thoughts and prayers are with you and your family at this most difficult time. Take care and know that I am here for you , if there's anything I can do, please feel free to contact me.

January 20, 2017

Thoughts and prayers to Godwin Family. I met Jerry in the Jaycee's and he also officiated over our Wedding ( Doug Borsich). God gained a great man.
Nancy Cook, Charleston SC

Gene Martin

January 20, 2017

Jerry was a fine man, and a great friend. There will always be a hole in this world, that no one else is qualified to fill. Rest well My Friend, see you at the Great Jaycee Reunion. We Believe!

Irene Shanley

January 19, 2017

My thoughts and prayers to all of Jerry's friends and family. He was such a nice man and you were always greeted with a smile on his face and a hug in his arms. Rest in Peace Jerry!!!

Shawn Miller

January 19, 2017

Jerry was a great man and really good to our family. Our thoughts and prayers go to him and his family. Heaven gained another great Angel. We will meet again.

Kelly Koch

January 19, 2017

A wonderful man who was a mentor and friend to many. He will be missed by all who ever met him. Rest In Peace my friend

Laura McDivitt

January 19, 2017

To all of Jerry's family - please know you are all in my thoughts and prayers - Jerry was a great friend and mentor to me for many, many years - I will miss his smile, his great encouragement and his wonderful presence - I know he is with the Lord - God bless you all

Deborah Price

January 19, 2017

Dear Jerry...I will remember you as a true Southern Gentleman. You were so kind to me and my people at John's Innauralgral in Charleston. And each meeting past you showed me such kindmess. May God grant you your wings and may you soar forever over all of us.

Will Chester

January 19, 2017

In loving memory of a wonderful person. We will miss your smile and special hugs. Prayers for the family.

Affectionately known as the Silver Fox :-)

Rita and Hal Bowles

January 19, 2017

It is so difficult to believe we have lost "God". Jerry lived by our Creed and his passing will forever leave a gaping hole in our hearts.

THE JAYCEE CREED
We believe:
That faith in God gives meaning and purpose to human life;
That the brotherhood of man transcends the sovereignty of nations;
That economic justice can best be won by free men through free enterprise;
That government should be of laws rather than of men;
That earth's great treasure lies in human personality; and
That service to humanity is the best work of life.

January 19, 2017

He will definitely be missed.

Rene Jacob JCI Senator 22847 Vancouver, Canada.

Mike Barnett

January 19, 2017

My thoughts and prayers go out to Ellen and the family.

Danny and Sandy Ford

January 19, 2017

Our thoughts and prayers are with the family.

Sylvia & Rich Coomes

January 19, 2017

With deepest sympathy.

Joel Priscilla Larkin

January 19, 2017

Dear Ellen & Family! Please accept our heartfelt expression of sympathy and condolence on Jerry's passing. Jerry always had a smile on his face and made the people around him feel cared for. May he Rest In Peace and forever be bathed in the Eternal Light & Grace of Our Lord Jesus Christ. Please let us know if we can do anything for you. Take care and GOD Bless.

Walter Brooker

January 18, 2017

To my dearest friend , and Jaycee mentor . You will always be remembered for your big smile and open heart . My deepest sympathies go out to your wife and family at your passing .

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