Carl Henry Godfrey Jr.

GODFREY Carl Henry Godfrey, Jr., Atlantic Beach, passed away October 4, 2007. He was born in Florence, S.C., November 29, 1927 to the late Carl H. Godfrey and Louise Reese Godfrey. He attended Florence High School and entered Clemson University in 1944. He joined the Navy in 1946 and was honorably discharged in 1948. He returned to Clemson and graduated in 1954 with a degree in Mechanical Engineering. In 1954 he married Lottie Woods and returned to Florence. He went to work for E.I. DuPont and was transferred to Pensacola, FL. He was hired in 1954 by Atlantic Coast Line Railroad in Wilmington, N.C. as a Special Apprentice, later transferred to Rocky Mount, N.C. then Waycross, GA. In 1964 he was promoted to Sr. System Analyst in the General Office Building in Jacksonville, FL. In this position he was very instrumental in assisting and implementation of a more sophisticated computer system for the railroad. In 1972, he married Bessie Morris Corker and they lived in Atlantic Beach. He was Chairman of the Committee on Programming Techniques for the Data Systems Divisions of the Association of American Railroads. As time went by, he was further promoted to Manager, then Asst. Vice President-Operations, and later to Vice President Technical Services with Cybernetics & Systems, a computer subsidiary of the Railroad. In 1977, he spent a good deal of time at Florida Publishing Company as a consultant during the development of their computer based editing and typesetting system. In December 1984, he retired from CSX with 31 years of service. After retiring, he pursued his other most favorite career - golfing. He was a Member of Silva Marina County Club and you might say golf became his second profession since he played golf five days out of seven with the guys, and played on Sunday with his wife Bess. Many good times were had playing golf with Carl and his famous “hook” ball. He was member of Community Presbyterian Church, Atlantic Beach. He has been a life long Presbyterian and was a “Cradle Roll” Presbyterian as a baby. He was active on various committees over the years and served as a Deacon and Elder. Carl is survived by his loving wife Bess of 34 years; brother, Dr. Earl H. Godfrey, Spartanburg, S.C.; son, Bradley Godfrey, Columbia, S.C.; daughter, Gaye Godfrey Watson , Greenville, S.C.; grandson, Will Watson, Greenville, S.C.; nephew, Earl Godfrey, Jr. (Joan), Chesnee, S.C.; niece, Ann Louise Shirley (Don), Spartanburg, S.C.; great niece, Alison Early, Chesnee, S.C.; step-daughter, Natalie White, Atlantic Beach, FL; step-granddaughter, Kristen White; step-son, Danny Corker, Salisbury, N.C. (Karen); step-grandson, Danny Corker II (Shana), Woodleaf, N.C., and great grandchildren, Robbie, Kristina, Tirana Corker, several cousins and many friends. Arrangements are being handled by BEACHES CHAPEL BY HARDAGE-GIDDENS, 1701 Beach Blvd., Jacksonville Beach, FL 32250 (904-249-2374) with a visitation from 6-8 p.m., Monday, October 8, 2007. A memorial service will be held at 2p.m., Tuesday, October 9, 2007 at Community Presbyterian Church, 150 Sherry Dr., Atlantic Beach, FL 32233 with Rev. Gabe Goodman, officiating. Interment will follow in H. Warren Smith Cemetery, Penman Rd. & Beach Blvd. In lieu of flowers contributions may be made to Community Presbyterian Church Building Fund. Words of comfort may be shared with the family at www.MeM.com Please Sign the Guestbook @ Jacksonville.com