Mr. Gearldon E. “Jerry” Godwin, 75 of Merced, CA, passed away Saturday morning, June 22, 2019, at the La Sierra Health Care Center in Merced, California after a brief illness.
Born in Blackshear, GA on September 17, 1943, he had lived in Pierce County until he graduated from high school. Mr. Godwin then joined the Air Force and became a mechanic. After the Air Force, he continued working as a mechanic until he was not physically able to anymore. He lived most of his adult life in California and was always sporting his trademark cowboy hat and cowboy boots. Mr. Godwin was a huge race fan and enjoyed watching Dale Sr. in his famous #3 car. His passion was working on cars and semi-trucks. He was known as a rambling man who was always traveling, but his biggest journey was 2 months ago when he accepted Jesus Christ as his Lord and Savior and became a Christian. His testimony was that even though he had a lot of regrets in his life, his prayer was for no one to ever have any regrets in theirs.
He was a son of the late Lester & Sarah Shuman Godwin. He was also preceded in death by two sisters, Juan Anderson and Yvonne Wishall; and a brother, Roy E. Godwin.
Survivors include his children, Joey (Teresa) Godwin, Blackshear, GA, Jeannie (Grady) Bullard, Knoxville, TN, Vicky (Scott) Massengale, Wilton, CA, David (April) Godwin, West Sacramento, CA, Danny (Toni) Godwin, Manchester, GA, and Aaron (Christina) Godwin, West Sacramento, CA; a brother, R.L. Godwin, Blackshear, GA; 17 grandchildren; 7 great-grandchildren; and several nieces, nephews, and other relatives. Mr. Godwin also leaves behind two ex-wives, Carol Godwin of Blackshear, GA who was the mother of his children, and Yolanda Godwin of Merced, CA who took care of him through his brief illness.
A Memorial service for Mr. Godwin will be held at a later date here in Blackshear, GA.
Memorialization will be by cremation.
Sympathy may be expressed by signing the online register at www.pearsondial.com.
Pearson-Dial Funeral Home of Blackshear is in charge of the local arrangements.
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