Birth Date: 11/03/1946
Deceased Date: 02/15/2022
Garner-It is with great sadness we say goodbye to Denny Max Godwin, 75, departing from this life to his heavenly home on February 15, 2022, following a brief illness. But, it is with joy that we celebrate the life of our beloved brother.
Denny Max, as many lovingly called him, was born in Kenly, NC, on November 3, 1946, to Perry M. and Mildred Hodge Godwin. Being the second of 8 children growing up on the Godwin Family Farm, he learned early the value of hard work. Denny graduated from Glendale High School in 1965 and then attended and completed Spencer Watchmaking School in Spencer, NC.
Denny then went on to serve his country proudly in the US Army from 1968 to 1970 during the Vietnam War. He and his brother, Calvin were both stationed in Germany at different locations. They would sometimes get to see each other during their local leave time. Denny was also a member of the American Legion, Selma Chapter.
After the military, Denny began a long career in watch repair and jewelry. He would go on to be associated with several prominent jewelry stores as well as owning his own store, Godwin’s Jewelers, in downtown Raleigh. Denny was an accomplished Rolex Specialist as he received his training in New York and abroad in Switzerland. He was very talented with his hands and constructed, to scale, a large tabletop model of the USS North Carolina Battleship using intricate pictures he took of the ship as a guide and his watchmaking tools and skills.
Denny married Janice Barbour on March 15, 1969, and they have two boys, Stephen and Tyler, and a granddaughter, Stella. Spending a lot of time with his children, Denny taught them many life skills. He taught his sons hard work by chopping firewood to sell and also by crop farming and selling produce at their roadside stand and farmers’ markets. Denny never missed a baseball game and always make sure they had what they needed.
Volunteering in Boy Scouts of America, Denny attained Vigil honors in the Order of the Arrow Council, a very prestigious achievement. He also earned the Silver Beaver Award in scouting, another high honor. Denny was proud to see both Stephen and Tyler receive the Eagle Scout Awards. They attended Mt. Zion Church near the Cleveland area. Denny was a member of Bethany Baptist Church, making a professor of faith early in his life, under the guidance of Rev. Charles Carroll.
In Denny’s latter years, he worked part time repairing watches, spending time with family and friends, and driving his tractors at the home place. But, one of the highlights of his days was spending time with his granddaughter, Stella, who was the apple of his eye! Just to hear her say “Hey Pops” brightened up any day for him!
Denny loved everyone and had the biggest heart. He made each person feel special and would quite often visit and drop off extra produce, leaving a smile and imprint on each person’s heart.
Denny is preceded in death by his parents, Rev. Perry and Mildred Hodge Godwin; brothers, Calvin (Patricia), and baby boy Godwin; and sister, Betty Jo Godwin.
A funeral service will be held on Monday, February 21, 2022 at Bethany Missionary Baptist Church in Kenly at 2:00 PM. The family will receive friends at the church from 1:00 PM-2:00 PM, just prior to the service. Burial will follow in the Godwin family cemetery.
Denny is survived by his wife, Janice, of 52 years; sons, Stephen Godwin of Kenly; Tyler Godwin and granddaughter, Stella Godwin of the Cleveland Community; brothers, Ted Godwin (Donna) of Selma; David Godwin (Wendy) of Kenly; sisters, Janice Godwin Canady of Pine Level; Susie Godwin of Kenly; and a host of beloved nephews and nieces and many cousins who greatly loved him. The family is gathering at the home place, Susie’s house, if anyone would like to stop by for a visit.
“In lieu of flowers, the family asks that donations be made to Bethany Missionary Baptist Church at 8980 Old Beulah Rd, Kenly, NC 27542”
Now, dear brother, we rejoice in your being reunited with all of your loved ones that have gone on before you, but especially our beloved sister, Betty Jo! What an embrace that must have been! For we know that this ‘ole world’ was never meant for one as beautiful as you!
Online condolences may be sent to the family at parrishfh.com
