Leonard N. Godfrey

When someone is identified as a natural leader, certain images come to mind. First thoughts are of a no-nonsense, tough-minded, dedicated and disciplined person. This description accurately fits Leonard N. Godfrey who was indeed a born manager. He will be remembered as being highly organized, practical and realistic. He was a person who always carried a strong sense of duty with him throughout his life. Possessed with traditional “old school” morals, Leonard was an individual who clearly communicated to those around him just who he was and what he was all about. Everyone acquainted with Leonard knew him as a well-respected man who was a stable force in his community.

      Leonard was born on August 3, 1935 at Richard Baker Hospital in Hickory, North Carolina. His parents were Gus Donald and Winnie Leonard Godfrey. Leonard was raised in Hickory, North Carolina. Even as a youngster, Leonard learned to be objective and decisive. His faith in the principles of authority and dependability was something that he carried with him throughout his life.

      Leonard's matter-of-fact attitude about most things was developed during his childhood. As a young boy, Leonard enjoyed being part of teams, and organizations and groups of other kids who shared similar interests. Leonard took part in baseball. He was a Scout. In his spare time he liked building things and comic books.

      In school, Leonard was as close to being a model student as one could possibly imagine. He sought to achieve perfect attendance in all of his classes. He would eagerly complete his homework, and often put in extra study time when he felt it was necessary. A logical and focused thinker, Leonard was always good at following directions and meeting his schedules, whether they were set by his teachers or were self-imposed. Leonard’s personal motto could well have been, “Do it right the first time.” He graduated from Hickory High School in 1953. He enjoyed some courses more than others, having favorite classes and teachers. His favorite class in high school was auto mechanics.

      Leonard was sociable and approachable. Because he was always so straightforward in how he approached relationships, friends and family knew that what they saw was always what they got. He enjoyed the camaraderie of being with a group of friends. When Leonard was a member of a group, his interaction worked to keep the others grounded. He wasn’t afraid to confront his friends and, when necessary, he challenged them to stick to the task at hand. Those close to Leonard came to expect his high standards of performance. While growing up, some of his best friends were Jack Crooks and the Reese boys. Later in life, he became friends with F. A. and Aileen (Dolly) Mull.

      An objective and conscientious individual, Leonard reveled in the security of his family. On June 25, 1954 Leonard exchanged wedding vows with Mary Joanne Houser at the Temple Baptist Church of Hickory, North Carolina. One of Leonard’s most endearing qualities was his uncanny ability to remember important dates and anniversaries, and his unending enthusiasm for organizing a celebration for his family and friends.

      Leonard was ever watchful of his children. He worried about them and was deeply concerned for their development as they grew up. He maintained a firm hand in their upbringing. Leonard would give his stamp of approval to their requests, as long as he could see how they might benefit. He also had the ability to enforce the rules as needed to ensure that his children were properly raised. Leonard was blessed with three children, one daughter, Cynthia Jo, and two sons David Bruce and Donald Kent. They were also blessed with eight grandchildren, Ben, Dylan, Carson, Stephanie, Brian, Shannon, Carly & Elijah.

      Being a hard worker who praised efficiency, Leonard was always striving to make improvements where they were necessary. He was able to analyze situations and problems, keeping everything and everyone on track. An excellent project supervisor, Leonard was a person who could quickly make decisions based on the information available. He worked cooperatively and expected the same from his colleagues. In both his personal and professional environments, Leonard upheld his standards. His primary occupation was engineer. He was employed for 34 years Central Telephone Company. Leonard was a team player who certainly lived out the motto of “give me a job, and I will get it done.”

      Leonard approached his leisure time in the same manner that he approached his life. A person who enjoyed being neat and orderly and one who understood the nature of things, he appreciated the hours he was able to devote to his various hobbies. His favorite pursuits were carving and flying model airplanes. Leonard was content to enjoy his favorite pastimes alone but was also willing to share his interests with others.

      Playing by the rules was a natural thing for Leonard to do in life and that carried over to his enjoyment of sports. Recreational sports included baseball, bowling, and water skiing. He also was something of a sports fan and enjoyed watching his favorite events whenever he got the opportunity. Tops on his list were football.

      Being generous with his time and energy, Leonard liked to belong to a variety of groups and organizations. He was a vocal leader who enjoyed being a part of things. His desire to uphold traditions and his ability to take charge of any type of project made him a tremendous asset. Throughout his later years, Leonard was an active member of the St. Stephens High School Athletic Boosters, Catawba Valley Carving Club, and R/C Modelers Club.

      A civic-minded person, Leonard was usually ready to jump in and help with community activities. He was the type of person who could masterfully organize events and projects and then see to it that they were run in an efficient and timely manner. Leonard was a member of several community groups, including served as a member of the Board of Directors of the St. Stephens Volunteer Fire Department. During these years, Leonard applied his analytical intellect to problem solving and so was an asset on most committees.

      Faith was important to Leonard. He held high moral standards and was worried about the moral decay he saw around him. For that reason he held deep spiritual beliefs that he was willing to share. He was a member Temple Baptist Church all of his life. During that time, he was on Building and Grounds Committee.

      When it came time to travel or take a vacation, Leonard used his scheduling expertise to make sure everyone and everything was ready to go. That also meant that he made certain no single person was overworked in putting the trip together. Leonard had a knack for making sure that everyone who was involved had their specific tasks and that those tasks were completed. Favorite vacations included relaxing at his mountain cabin.

      When Leonard’s retirement finally arrived in April 30, 1993, he was well prepared. He used his critical evaluation skills to make sure that every detail had been preplanned and attended to. His new life he stayed in Hickory, North Carolina to stay near his family. In retirement, he found new pleasure in starting his own Sign Company, carving and model airplanes. In many ways, Leonard loved retirement. It provided him with the opportunity to catch up with his friends, attend functions and group outings, and tackle new interesting activities.

      Leonard passed away on June 9, 2014 at Catawba Valley Medical Center, Hickory, North Carolina. Leonard fought a strong battle, but could not defeat the infection, he fought hard. He is survived by wife Joanne, his children Bruce, Cindy and Donald; his grandchildren Ben, Dylan, Carson, Stephanie, Brian, Shannon, Carly and Elijah; great grandchildren Daphne, Jocelyn, Taytum, and Jensen. Services were held at Temple Baptist Church. Leonard was laid to rest in Catawba Memorial Cemetery, Hickory, North Carolina.

      All who knew him would agree that Leonard was a pillar of the community. He lived his life with his feet firmly on the ground. He had a strong work ethic, was pragmatic in his thoughts and acts, and constantly sought the means for self-improvement. He was willing to share his ideas and knowledge for the benefit of others, so that they could accomplish more in their lives. Leonard N. Godfrey did his best to ensure that his family, friends, loved ones, co-workers, and everyone whose life he touched was given the chance to become a better person.

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HICKORY---Leonard N. “Sonny” Godfrey, 78, passed away June 9, 2014 at Catawba Valley Medical Center.Leonard was born August 3, 1935 in Catawba Co. to the late Gus Donald Godfrey and Winnie Leonard Godfrey Elrod. Devoted to his grandchildren, Leonard was a patient teacher and mentor. “ Paw” always had an endless pocket of M&M’s. He was a member of Temple Baptist Church and retired engineer from Centel Telephone Co. Leonard was a member of the Board of Directors of the St. Stephens Volunteer Fire Department. He also enjoyed machining and fabricating. He was a member of the Catawba Valley Carving Club and R/C Modelers Club and owner and operator of Signs by Sojo. Leonard was active for many years in the St. Stephens High School Athletic Boosters. Surviving are his wife, Joanne Houser Godfrey of the home; daughter, Cindy Weaver and husband, Kenneth, of Hickory; sons, Bruce Godfrey and wife, Leesa, of Hickory and Donald Godfrey and wife, Malinda, of Hickory; granddaughters, Stephanie Eddings and husband, Clinton, of Maiden, Shannon Weaver of Conover, Carson Godfrey of Hickory and Carly Godfrey of Hickory; grandsons, Benjamin Godfrey and wife, Samantha, of Conover, Brian Weaver and wife, Lauren, of Maiden, Dylan Godfrey of Hickory and Elijah Godfrey of Hickory; great- granddaughters, Daphne Eddings of Maiden, Jocelyn Eddings of Maiden and Taytum Godfrey of Conover; great- grandson, Jensen Weaver of Maiden; a special little sister and friend, Donna Maye of Hickory. Services will be Friday, June 13, 2014, at 2:00 P. M. at Temple Baptist Church with Rev. Lloyd King officiating. Interment will follow in Catawba Memorial Park.The family will receive friends Thursday from 6:00 – 8:00 P. M. at Hickory Funeral Home.In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to Temple Baptist Church, 825 Lenoir Rhyne Blvd., Hickory, N. C. 28602. Condolences may be made online at www.hickoryfh.com. Hickory Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements.