Godfrey Waddell Updike Jr.

Godfrey Waddell Updike Jr.

G.W. Updike, 63, died Sunday, April 24, 2010.

Because G.W. trusted in Christ as his Savior as a boy, his family rejoices in the certain knowledge that when we are "absent from the body we are present with the Lord". "Blessed is the man that trusteth in the Lord, and whose hope the Lord is." Jeremiah 17:7.

G.W. loved three things very much: The Army, Boy Scouts, and his family.

G.W. graduated from Virginia Military Institute, and immediately entered the United States Army as a regular infantry officer in June 1969 serving until November 1979. He completed both Airborne and Ranger schools, Infantry basic and advanced courses, Command and General Staff College, the Army War College and a tour in Vietnam. He served in the United States Army Reserve for 19 years and retired in 2004 with the rank of Colonel. He was activated for Desert Shield and Desert Storm serving in Europe and Saudi Arabia. G.W. loved his time in service and considered it to be both an honor and a privilege to serve his country.

G.W. loved Scouting. He began Boy Scouts when he was 11, became Eagle Scout at 16 and has been involved in various roles since then. He loved introducing his sons Adam, Joshua, Jacob and James to the organization that he believed help develop men of character, faith, and citizenship. He was selected as a Silver Beaver in 2003 and the 2008 Eagle Scout Class Honoree.

In addition to his job at Lockheed Martin, he taught evenings at Webster University and FIT. His hard work allowed his wife, Debbie, to be a stay-at-home mom to their eight incredible children. "His Girls" - Rebekah, Abigail, Christiane, and Rachel, had their Dad wrapped around their fingers. He loved watching his boys play football and basketball. It was his joy to see his children grow up and honor God with their lives. "Dad" was his most distinguished honor.

G.W. born in Charlottesville, to Godfrey W. and Frances (Bailey) Updike Sr., moved to Central Florida in 1979 and was a member of First Baptist Church of Central Florida.

He leaves to cherish his memory, his mother, Frances Updike of Charlottesville; his wife, Debbie (Colvert) Updike of Orlando, Florida; his sons, Adam Michael, Joshua Gaven, Jacob Scott, and James Eston Updike; his daughters, Rebekah Paige, Abigail Kaytlyn, Deborah Christiane, and Rachel Ann Updike, all of Orlando, Florida; and a brother, Malon Sim of Atlanta, Georgia.

Public visitation will be held from 2:30 until 4 p.m. Thursday, April 29, 2010, at First Baptist Church of Central Florida, 700 Good Homes Rd., Orlando, FL 32818, followed by the funeral service at 4 p.m. with Pastor Clayton Cloer officiating.

Interment will be at Winter Garden Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers, the family asks that donations be made to First Baptist Church of Central Florida.

Professional Services provided by Dobbs Funeral Home, 430 N. Kirkman Rd., Orlando, FL. 407-578-7720. [email protected]


This obituary was originally published in the Daily Progress.