Barney Wade Godfrey Sr.

Born in Greenville, South Carolina, he was the son of the late William Gene Godfrey, Sr and Malene Bell Godfrey.

Early in his adult life, Barney served as Director of Counseling at Souls Harbor/Youth Challenge. In 1985 he began his career in concrete as a concrete truck driver for Young Concrete. From this position he began working in the plant at Young Concrete – so began his journey into the precast industry. His integrity and strength in leadership opened the door to the position of Precast Sales Manager at Young’s. In 1999, he joined MST Concrete. Through hard work and dedication to his many customers he was promoted to Sales Manager. In 2024, he became part of the launch team at Upstate Precast as Project Manager, faithfully caring for his many customers, some of which have been with him since his days at Young Concrete. Barney loved and deeply cared for his customers - always going the extra mile.

Barney enjoyed spending time with his family, working in his garden, and reading. Barney loved his fur babies – they always joined him as he sat by the firepit, listening to music and taking in the nature around him.

Barney expressed his gift of music through singing, song writing, playing the guitar and harmonica - he and his wife shared their love of music.

Barney was humble, yet strong – he didn’t feel he had to prove himself to anyone, he knew who he was. He was compassionate. He could see the good in people. He was patient with people and circumstances others might have given up on. He was a man of honor.

Barney loved his Lord and Savior Jesus Christ – he walked humbly with his God. He instilled faith and love in his family. He will be deeply missed.

Barney is survived by his beloved wife of 19 years, Jan Godfrey; son, Barney Wade Godfrey, Jr. (Sunshine); son, Jay Godfrey (Sarah); daughter, Lydia A. Buchanan (Chip); son, Michael Timmons (Callie); grandchildren: Olivia O-Rafferty (Trent), Silas, Anabel, Ivy, Shepherd, Max, Kahlan, and "Short Round's Indy" - Rickey Buchanan III; sister, Sandy Osburn; three brothers: John A. Godfrey, Frank S. Godfrey, and Stan R. Godfrey; Mother-in-Love Renitia Ruff; Sister-in-Love, Lydia M. Cameron (Randy and family); Sister-in-Love, Marie Godfrey. He also leaves behind nieces and nephews to cherish his memory.

In addition to his parents, Barney was preceded in death by his sister, Belinda Godfrey; brother, William "Bill" Godfrey, Jr.; granddaughter, Lily Scout Godfrey; Father-in-Love, Rev. Wallace Ruff.

A visitation for Barney will be held on Friday April 10, 2026, from 1:30 pm to 2:45 pm at Dillard Funeral Home, 2402 Gentry Memorial Hwy Pickens, South Carolina. A funeral service is to follow in the Dillard Funeral Home chapel at 3:00 PM.

The family would like to express their special thanks to all the first responders, Dr. Justin Gregg and the Pulmonary Critical Care Team who worked so intensely to keep Barney with us.

For anyone wishing to make a donation in lieu of flowers in Barney’s name it is requested the donation be made to Second Chance Church building fund, https://pushpay.com/g/secondchancechurch.

Online condolences may be expressed to the family by visiting www.dillardfunerals.com. Dillard Funeral Home is assisting the family with arrangements.