Cecil Raymond Godwin

Cecil Raymond Godwin
Durham
To laugh often and love much; to win the respect of intelligent persons and the affection of children; to earn the approbation of honest citizens and endure the betrayal of false friends; to appreciate beauty; to find the best in others; to give of one's self; to leave the world a bit better, whether by a healthy child, a garden patch or a redeemed social condition; to have played and laughed with enthusiasm and sung with exultation; to know even one life has breathed easier because you have lived…this is to have succeeded.
-Ralph Waldo Emerson
Mr. Cecil Raymond Godwin passed away April 22, 2013. He was 84 years old.
In his youth, he was a "soda-jerk" at Coleman's Drug Store, a deliverer of the Durham Herald-Sun and the afternoon paper, the Durham Sun. He was a graduate of Durham High School and the University of North Carolina.
A Korean War veteran, he came home to meet and marry Suzanne Rollins Godwin, a hometown girl.
He fell in love with Durham as a child, knowing well the sweet smell of tobacco that permeated the town, the fun of riding his bike in the early morning hours to Duke Gardens, and playing tennis on the courts across the street from his home.
As a young person, Cecil's parents made it clear to him that hard work and tolerance of other people would be important to his life. And as a business man his interests and knowledge of lumber and building materials was vast, thanks to his friends and mentors Jim and Bill Coman, plus his dear friends Ed Rogers and Arby Tally.
Mr. Godwin's travels with his wife added to his horizons, but his affection for Durham was unfailing.
His uncompromising moral character, honesty, and decency were unparalleled. He was a gallant gentleman, handsome and courtly, uncommonly wise, and his devotion to his family lit a spark of love that will be remembered always.
Mr. Godwin leaves his wife, Suzanne Rollins Wallace Godwin; daughters, Robin Wallace Godwin and Meredith Rollins Godwin Wellendorf; and a brother, Thomas Mark Godwin.
His family asks those who knew Cecil and wish to make a donation to please contribute their fondest memories and warmest thoughts as those are more than sufficient.
A private family funeral was held at the Rollins' plot in Maplewood Cemetery.
The Godwin family is under the care of Howerton & Bryan Funeral Home. Online condolences may be submitted at www.howertonbryan.com, select obituaries.