Russell Lee Godby

Matthew 25:35, 40, "For I was hungry and you gave me food, I was thirsty and you gave me drink… Truly I tell you, whatever you do for one of the least of these brothers and sisters of mine, you did for me."

On October 17, 2025, at the age of 83, Russell Lee "Red" Godby of Goodrich, Texas, formerly of Liberty, Texas, peacefully joined his Lord and was reunited with his beloved wife of 47 years, Shelby Jean Moore Godby.

Born on April 15, 1942, in Somerset, Kentucky, Russell was the ninth of ten children of Harley Everett Godby and Rusha B. Smiley Godby. After graduating from Somerset High School, he attended Eastern Kentucky University in Richmond, where a blind double date changed his life forever-introducing him to Jean, who became his lifelong partner and cherished love. They married in 1963 and together built a life filled with family, laughter, adventure, and unwavering faith.

Russell was the proud father of James Gregory Godby (Sandra Godby) and Jon Everett Godby, both of Austin, Texas, and a prouder grandfather to Briana Laura Godby Sonnier (Spencer Sonnier) and Mathew Lee Godby of Buda, Texas, and Eric Joseph Peterson of Austin, Texas. His family was his pride and joy, and he cherished every moment spent with them. After Jean's passing in 2010, Russell found companionship and love again with his second wife, Roberta Gridley. Together they made a home in Goodrich, Texas, where they enjoyed the company of her family and friends.

Although Russell retired as a Process Operator with BP Amoco in 1998, retirement was never part of his vocabulary. Guided by his faith and a deep conviction that we are all God's children, we are our brother's keeper, and no one should go hungry, he became a driving force behind the founding of the Liberty Church of Christ Food Bank, the first food bank to serve the citizens of Liberty and Chambers Counties. His servant's heart carried him beyond that work-delivering food and medicine to the homebound, transporting neighbors and strangers alike to medical appointments, and never missing an opportunity to share his love and the teachings of Christ.

For Russell, service to others was an expression of his devotion to Christ. He found his greatest joy in sharing his faith, encouraging others, and living out the teachings of Jesus in daily life.

Russell believed God is loving and merciful, we are all God's children created in His image, and we are responsible for the unconditional love and care of one another. Russell lived his life heralding that God's love does not discriminate and has no limits or borders, and He calls us to do the same.

Those who knew him will remember not only his generosity but also his humor, warmth, and the way he made life brighter for everyone he encountered. Whether he was baking, cooking, building something in his workshop, tending his garden, traveling, or playing Uno or Farkle, he was happiest when creating and sharing joy. He delighted in making others laugh and smile-passing out clown noses and kazoos, texting late-night jokes or memes to his doctors, and reminding all who crossed his path that life is full of simple blessings. For Russell, it was always a great day to have a great day!

Russell is preceded in death by his first wife, Shelby Jean Moore Godby; his parents and siblings Junior Godby, Joyce Godby, Elwood Godby, Orville Godby, Sylvia Rash, Donald Godby, Doris Neal, and Benny Campbell. He is survived by his wife, Roberta Godby; his beloved sons and grandchildren, his brother, Michael Godby (Elaine); sister-in-law, Billie Godby; and numerous nieces, nephews, extended family, and dear friends who will carry his memory forward.

The family extends heartfelt gratitude to the exemplary dialysis staff, nurses, rehabilitation teams, physicians, and numerous others who cared for Russell in recent years, helping him continue the work and ministry that defined his life.

Visitation will be held Saturday, October 25, 2025, at 11:00 a.m. at the Liberty Church of Christ, 3201 North Main Street, Liberty, Texas. Funeral services will follow at 12:00 p.m., with interment at Cooke Memorial Cemetery. Honorary pallbearers include Woodrow Ozan, Robert Ward, James Kapalski, Elijah LaChapelle, Jesse Garcia, James Litton III, Nelson Castellon, Sreedhar Mandayam, MD, John Alan Farmer, MD, Gustavo Rivero, MD, and his co-workers from BP Amoco.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Liberty Church of Christ Food Bank, Cherokee Children's Home, or the charity of your choice-continuing the spirit of service Russell lived so faithfully.