Ray Godwin

MARBLE HILL, Mo. -- Ray Franklin Godwin, 89, of Marble Hill died Thursday, Sept. 17, 2009, at Eldercare of Marble Hill.

He was born Oct. 9, 1919, at Sikeston, Mo., son of Cecil and Myrtle Belver Godwin. He and Louise Elliott were married Jan. 14, 1939, at Charleston, Mo. She preceded him in death Dec. 1, 2004.

Ray was a retired farmer and plumber. He attended Point Pleasant General Baptist Church near Marble Hill.

He served his country proudly during World War II with the Merchant Marines, serving in the Philippines aboard the USS Iran Victory.

Survivors include three sons, Bobby Ray, James Franklin and Michael Allen Godwin, all of Marble Hill; three daughters, Patsy L. Massey of Marble Hill, Connie Ann Hahn of Bloomsdale, Mo., La Donna Kaye Mayfield of Marble Hill; three brothers, Harold Godwin of Knoxville, Tenn., J.W. Godwin of Hollister, Mo., Glen Godwin of Oran, Mo.; a sister, Joyce Castleberry of Mount Juliet, Tenn.; 19 grandchildren; 23 great-grandchildren; and 15 great-great-grandchildren.

Preceding him in death were a son, Ronald Lee Godwin; a grandson; two great-grandsons; and a great-great-grandson.

Visitation will be from 4 to 8 p.m. Saturday at Liley Funeral Home in Marble Hill.

The funeral will be at 1 p.m. Sunday at the funeral home, with Kelly Francis and the Rev. Bobby Robbins officiating. Burial will be in Bollinger County Memorial Park Cemetery, with full military honors by Missouri Honors Team and Hayden Mayfield, bugler.

Online obituaries at www.lileyfuneralhomes.com.