Owen Luther Godwin Jr.

Owen Luther Godwin, Jr., 82, passed away July 18, 2016, in Lutz, FL. A Floridian his entire life, he was born of Owen and Pearl Godwin, June 13, 1934, in Sebring. After the family moved to Kissimmee, Owen Jr. helped his father build Gatorland. He graduated as valedictorian of Osceola High School and served in the US Navy, where he met his future wife, Nancy Plumridge at a USO dance. While Owen completed his Engineering Degree at UF, he and Nancy started a family. After moving to Tampa, he began working for Honeywell as part of the space program. Owen loved good conversation, especially about history, philosophy, politics and the Buccaneers. He also loved ham radio and the Suncoast Amateur Radio Club activities, including volunteering with the emergency response team after Hurricane Charlie. He enjoyed traveling with Nancy and even participated in several archaeological digs in Israel. Music was a big part of Owen’s life too. Whether jazz, bluegrass or classical, the rule was that the music was right if it made his belly wiggle. On the piano, he could pound out a rousing boogie-woogie that made everybody smile. He is survived by his wife, Nancy Godwin; sister, Mary Lou Gentry; brother, Frank Godwin; daughters, Virginia Pake and Heather Godwin; granddaughters, Stefanie Sherrer and Whitney Pake; great-grandson, Wyatt Sherrer; along with many nieces and nephews. A visitation will be held on Saturday, July 23, 2016 from 10:00am-12:00 pm, with a service to begin at 12:00pm. Immediately following, Owen will be laid to rest at the Sunset Memorial Gardens in Thonotosassa, FL. Donations may be made in Owen’s memory to WEDU and Oxfam. A curious, honest, brilliant, beloved gentleman, Owen will be missed. Online condolences may be expressed at www.blountcurrycarrollwood.com