Howard Lewis Godfrey

Obituary: Howard Lewis Godfrey, 95, of Kannapolis died April 17, 2019 at Tucker hospice house after a brief illness. Graveside services will be Monday, April 22 at 2 P.M. at Carolina Memorial Park with the Reverend David Troutman and the Reverend Jason Barber officiating. Howard was born April 16, 1924 in Mecklenburg County to Lewis Claude and Nettie McManus Godfrey. The family moved to Kannapolis when Howard was a small boy. He enjoyed watching the town's semi-pro baseball teams play and after he got older he played on a local church team. This love of baseball continued throughout his life. One of his great pleasures in later years was watching his beloved Atlanta Braves on TV and complaining whenever they lost that "the bulls gave the game away again!" Howard served in the Army during WWII in North Africa and Italy, receiving the Purple Heart for wounds received in the campaign to liberate Rome. Following rehabilitation, he returned to duty as a Corporal of the Guard for a signal unit near Naples for the duration of the war. After the war, he worked for Cannon Mills for over 45 years. He was known for his dependability and mechanical ingenuity. On several occasions he created parts to fix equipment which were then used across the company. For about 20 years he owned and operated "Window Fashions by Geri" with his second wife, selling and installing custom blinds and window treatments in homes and businesses all over Cabarrus County and surrounding areas. Howard was a faithful member of Memorial Baptist Church, serving in a number of capacities including building and grounds, helping set up and maintain the prayer room, and being an usher for over 30 years. Howard was a loving and devoted husband first to Shirley Tate Godfrey for 30 years and then to Gerry Helms Troutman Godfrey for 32 years. In addition to his parents and both wives, Howard was preceded in death by four brothers and four sisters. He is survived by step-son David Troutman (Mary) of Albemarle, sister Jocelyn Pope of Concord, and sister-in-law Frances Godfrey of Kannapolis, and nieces and nephews. Memorials may be made to St. Jude Children's Research Hospital or the charity of the donor's choices. Whitley's Funeral Home is serving the Godfrey Family.
Visitation: ______________

Service: Graveside Service 2:00 PM Monday April 22, 2019 Carolina Memorial Park

Interment: Carolina Memorial Park