Richard Godfrey

SPANISHBURG - It is with profound sadness and heavy hearts with which we share that Richard Roman Godfrey, born on March 20, 1940, in Crane Creek, West Virginia passed away on Friday, July 25, 2025. Richard is survived by his loving wife of sixty-three years Scarlett Akers; his son Brian Godfrey (Michelle); daughter Kathy Jewel (Donald); sister Neva Blankenship; grandchildren, Lindsey, Justin (Natasha), Erin, Ryan, and Jared; and great-grandson Jase. Richard was preceded in death by his parents Robert and Goldie Godfrey, sisters Louise Date and Evelyn Helmodollar, and brother Kenneth Cassel. Richard was a proud member of the U.S. Army serving with honor for five years and achieving the rank of Staff Sergeant. After his active duty military service he returned to Princeton, West Virginia and worked for the Slab Fork Coal Company as a Tipple Operator. When the mines closed, he went to work for the Mercer County Board of Education in the Maintenance Department working in several schools to provide well maintained and safe learning environments for the students. He retired from the Board of Education in 2005. More than anything, Richard loved our Lord and savior and dedicated his life to spreading the Word. He never met a stranger and no matter where he was, he'd ask people if they knew God. He served the Lord through his service as Layman at Spanishburg Methodist Church and as Pastor at Melrose Community Church. One of Richard's favorite Bible passages that he would share with everyone was Psalm 103, specifically “Bless the Lord, O my soul: and all that is within me, bless his holy name. Bless the Lord, O my soul, and forget not all his benefits...." Richard was also dedicated to community service. He assisted in the establishment of a volunteer Fire Department in Spanishburg and served as a former President of the Mercer County Credit Union. Those who knew Richard will remember him for his love of God, his love of family, and his love of country. He was a wonderful husband, father, grandfather, brother, and friend who left a legacy of faith, humor, and compassion. Funeral services will be conducted at 2:00 p.m. Wednesday, July 30, 2025 at the Bailey-Kirk Funeral Home in Princeton with Pastor Larry Kinzer, officiating. Interment will follow at the Reid Cemetery in Spanishburg. The family will welcome family and friends for a celebration of Richard's life on Wednesday, July 30, 2025 at the Bailey-Kirk Funeral Home in Princeton from 1:00 p.m. until the service hour. Online condolences may be shared with the family at www.bailey-kirk.com.

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Richard Godfrey

March 20, 1940 - July 25, 2025