Ira "Buck" Lee Godwin Jr.

Ira Lee “Buck” Godwin Jr. passed away peacefully at home surrounded by his family on June 11, 2023, at the age of 86. He was born July 28, 1936, at home and was transported to Sarasota Memorial by horse & buggy, which at that time was a wooden 2 story building. He attended Fruitville Elementary and

Sarasota High where he was very active in the agricultural/FFA program and graduated in 1954.

Immediately after graduation he enlisted in the US Army where he proudly served our Country until his

honorable discharge as a Specialist Second Class in 1957. During his time in the US Military, he provided

PT in basic training and was the caretaker of the military horses, mules & dogs. His love of farming was

put to good use by growing the corn needed to feed the animals.

In 1960, he married Velma Lee DeSear Godwin, his devoted wife of 63 years and settled in Manatee

County where they raised 6 children. During his early years he worked as a cowhand for Lykes Brothers,

Kibbler Ranch and various others. He also farmed tomatoes, melons & a variety of other vegetables. He

was a masonry contractor by trade, served on the Manatee County Planning Commission and shared his

construction knowledge with countless young men who went on to become successful contractors

themselves.

He was a true Florida Cracker that enjoyed calling square dances throughout Manatee & Sarasota

Counties, mullet fishing, hog hunting, playing his harmonica, canning vegetables & jellies of all kinds and

helping anyone in need. He was a strong family man that valued his family, traditions and friends, he was of the Baptist Faith and he loved the Lord. He will be remembered as a loving husband, father, grandfather, brother, uncle & a friend to many.

He was preceded in death by his parents; Ira Lee Sr. & Willie Bell Clifton Godwin, in-laws William Everette DeSear Sr. & Mildred Flossie Tolar DeSear, brother; Odell Godwin, sisters; Lorene Kluver (John) & Mattie Alday (Buddy), son; William Lawrence “Will” Godwin, daughter; Helena “Rene” Jones & her husband Mike Jones, son; Bucklin “Bucky” Godwin, grandsons; Dakoda Schopfer & Holdyn Kash Godwin, brother in law Ray Routh & sister in law Marcella Godwin and his hound dogs Cordelle Walker Texas Ranger & Blue.

He is survived by his devoted wife of 63 years Velma Lee DeSear Godwin, of Manatee County. Children: Susanne Teuton (Rodney “Bush”), Norina South (Mark), Matt Godwin (Kim), Tina Horne (Bucky). Grandchildren: Levi Teuton (Erika), Dallas Jones (Jana), Michael Jones, Spencer Teuton (Lindsay), William Jones (Katrina), Dr. Kaylee South Huezo (Luis), Jake Willis (Rachel), Willie Godwin (Halley), Blane Horne, David Godwin (Peyton), April Roane (Will), Josh Godwin, Justin Kirschbaum, Halie Jo Godwin, Makenzie Godwin, Karly Godwin, Parker Lawson, Zak Godwin & Cason Godwin. Great Grandchildren: Spencer Teuton Jr., Jaylin, Lily, Arianna, Natalie, Emma, Isabella & Austin Jones. Kya, Jase & Ella Dean Teuton, Elijah, Ryker, Ali, Aubry & Presley Godwin. Siblings: Robert Godwin (Debbie) & Rosie Routh and many cousins, nieces, nephews and friends.

Burial will be at 4:30 pm at Old Miakka Cemetery with full Military Honors.

Visitation for Buck will be held Friday, June 16, 2023 from 6:00 PM to 10:00 PM at Robert Toale and Sons Funeral Home at Palms Memorial Park, 170 Honore Ave, Sarasota, FL 34232. A funeral service will occur Saturday, June 17, 2023 at 12:00 PM at Bayside Community Church - Bee Ridge Campus, 8200 Bee Ridge Rd, Sarasota, FL 34241. Followed by a reception at 2:00 PM at Bayside Community Church. A committal service will occur Saturday, June 17, 2023 at 4:30 PM at Old Miakka Community Cemetery, 1630 Myakka Road, Sarasota, FL 34237.

Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.palmsrobartsfuneralhome.com for the Godwin family.