Charles David Godwin

Charles David Godwin Sr, Gunnery Sergeant, United States Marine Corps (Ret), passed away on Saturday, August 2nd, 2025, at Phoebe Putney Memorial Hospital. Funeral Service will be Saturday, August 9, 2025 at 3:00 p.m. at St. Paul's Episcopal Church.

Charles was born in Quitman, Georgia on September 15th, 1948. He remained in Georgia growing up until he enlisted in the Marine Corps in 1968. His first tour of duty was a combat deployment to the Republic of Vietnam. He survived a plethora of very dangerous encounters with the enemy, and he redeployed to Camp Lejeune, North Carolina in 1969 as an infantry platoon sergeant. In his second tour of duty, he was a primary marksmanship instructor at Parris Island, South Carolina. In 1972, Charles moved back to Georgia to pursue a career in the civilian sector. In 1980, his passion for being a Marine called him back into service. After 22 years of faithful service to our Nation, Charles retired from the Marine Corps in 1998. Upon retirement, he ultimately returned to Georgia where he met his beautiful bride, Debbie McGuire.

 For the next 27 years, Charles and Debbie built a wonderful life together sharing countless memories with loved ones and friends. During this period, his love of country and his dedication to the protection of this great Nation called him back into service as a government civilian employee. For 10 years, Charles was employed by the Department of Defense aboard Marine Corps Logistics Base, Albany, Georgia, at the Maintenance Center. In 2014, Charles once again retired from government service to spend quality time with his family. For those who knew Charles well, he was a true man of God. He was an incredible softball player and coach, which is where he got his eternal nick name, “Goose”, after one of baseball’s greatest pitchers, Richard Michael “Goose” Gossage. 

He was a warrior, a loving husband, a loving father, and an amazing grandfather and friend. He was quick to help anyone in need, and he loved leading the “Feed My Sheep” program at Saint Paul’s Episcopal Church that helped serve those in need in our community.

 Charles is proceeded in death by his father, John David Godwin, his mother, Hazel Inez Godwin, and his sister, Virginia Cheryl Godwin Davis.

 He is survived by his loving wife, Debbie Godwin, his 7 children, Samantha Godwin Adams (Cornelius), John Gregory Bearden (Tamara), Jody Godwin Woody, Charles David Godwin Jr (Cynthia), April Fritts Stanfill (Tim), Regina Godwin, Ryan Mathis (Jackie), 16 grandchildren, and 19 great grandchildren. Fair winds and following seas Gunny. Semper Fidelis!

In lieu of flowers, please make donations to St Paul's Episcopal Church, 212 North Jefferson Street, Albany, Ga 31701 or the American Heart Association.