Baynard Seabrook Godbold

Baynard Seabrook Godbold, 73, of James Island, entered into eternal rest on February 13, 2026, after a brief illness. Born December 10, 1952, Baynard was the third of four children of Lewis Blakeley Godbold, Jr. and Mary Seabrook Oswald Godbold. Baynard lived his entire life on James Island's beautiful Clark Sound, surrounded by cousins and given the freedom to explore the land owned by neighboring aunts and uncles on the family compound. He spent several later years of his life taking care of his aging parents, along with his siblings. Baynard graduated from Fort Johnson High School in 1971. He spent a semester at The Citadel before deciding back home on the island was a better fit, and graduated with a Bachelor of Science degree from the College of Charleston in 1990. He worked at the S.C. Department of Natural Resources' Marine Resources Center and Eastern Airlines, and retired from Charleston Water System. Following in his parents' footsteps, he was a lifetime member of James Island Presbyterian Church. Baynard was raised by his devoted mother and father to love the outdoors. In true island fashion, he was taught early to swim, hunt marsh hens, shrimp, fish, crab and pick oysters. He loved the island life so much he never felt the need to travel. Baynard was completely content sitting on the front porch swing looking out at a grand old oak tree, the saltmarsh, and the estuary beyond, watching dolphins swim by daily. He spent his time tending to his vegetable garden, and always had one or two part-beagle or basset hounds he would train to hunt rabbits. He loved all of his dogs and they were spoiled by his gentle manner and tasty table scraps. Over the years we remember Ringo, Blue, Jiggs, Jake, and Maggie. Wanting companionship after the passing of his mother in 2020, Baynard adopted a part-shih tzu he named Willy, who would get to live inside and be his full-time buddy. He enjoyed speaking with relatives and neighbors during his walks with Willy. He was a devout Christian who is remembered by family and close friends as being a kind, private man who was physically strong and self-assured, never putting on airs to impress others. Baynard literally whistled as he walked, and he sure did whistle beautifully. He had a twinkle in his smiley brown eyes and almost always seemed happy. Everything he needed was right there at home. Baynard deeply appreciated the friendships he had with Johnny Ohlandt, Jr., Ricky Kellahan, Jimmy DuPree, and Andy Rahn. He was preceded in death by his parents, and is survived by his three siblings: Mary Davis (William), Blakeley Godbold (Joy), and Downing Godbold (Jorge); niece Jennie Flinn, and nephews Matthew Davis, Ty Godbold, Sean Godbold, Cliff Godbold, and Jesse Godbold. A Memorial Service for Mr. Godbold will be held 11 AM Friday, February 20, 2026, at James Island Presbyterian Church, 1632 Fort Johnson Road, James Island, SC, 29412. Family will receive friends one hour prior to the service at the church, and a reception at the church will follow the service. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to James Island Presbyterian Church or Lowcountry Land Trust.

Arrangements by James A. McAlister, 1620 Savannah Highway, Charleston. (843) 766-1365. Expressions of sympathy may be viewed or submitted online at www.charlestonfunerals.com.