Robert Delano Godwin

In loving memory of Robert Delano Godwin, who was born August 10, 1934 and called home on August 7, 2026 by his Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. Born to Ira Lee Godwin, Sr. and Willie Bell Clifton Godwin, in the city of Sarasota, Florida.

Robert was preceded in death by his first wife, Marcella Lang Godwin, his beloved daughter, Tina Godwin, and his beloved grandson, Michael Curtis as well as his parents, Ira Lee and Willie Bell Godwin, and his siblings Lorene Kluver (John), Mattie Alday (Buddy), Rosie Routh (Ray), Ira Lee Godwin, Jr (Velma), and Odell Godwin.

He is survived by his second wife, Debra Lee Godwin, his children - Hope Godwin, Bonnie Godwin, Danny Godwin (Jaime), and Tracey Curtis (Mike) - and his grandchildren - Gina Harris (Chris), Lauren Robinson (Dalton), Holly Gonzalez (Dominic), Alexis Godwin (Nick), Grace Godwin, Coy Godwin (Kylee), Mason Godwin (Shelby), Wes Godwin and Cole Snyder as well as his great-grandchildren - Dawson Harris, Jackson Harris, Reid Robinson, Gavin Hackney, Easton Terdoslavich, Blake Godwin, Laken Godwin, Abraham Gonzalez, Benjamin Gonzalez and countless nieces and nephews. Alexis Godwin is his granddaughter/daughter as he raised her after his daughter, Tina Godwin, went home to be with the Lord.

Robert graduated high school in 1952 and enlisted in the US Marine Corps serving his country with pride during his time in the corps. In 1955, he married his high school sweetheart, Marcella Lang, and spent sixty-two wonderful years building a life together. They shared five children together who they loved immensely. While he and Marcella raised their children, he worked hard as a contractor in the construction industry building residential houses and helping people obtain their dreams of owning their own homes and later as a land developer, helping shape communities. He was a well respected businessman in the community throughout his life. In 2019, he married Debra Lee, who he shared his extraordinary life with in his final years. He attended RiverLife Church and Samoset Church of God for many years.

Outside of his professional life, Robert found joy in the simpler pleasures. He was an avid horseman through the years. Whether with his wife and children riding in the country or gathering his cows at his ranch he always enjoyed horseback riding. He had a deep affection for raising livestock on his ranch, enjoying time with two of his favorite dogs, Rattler and Buster and tending to his gardenia plants at home. One for always staying active, he enjoyed riding his bike around his neighborhood of Elwood Park visiting with neighbors who always enjoyed their conversations with him. He was known for his warm smile and making others feel at ease with kindness and sharing words of wisdom. His kindness, humor, and generosity left a lasting impression on all those who knew him. He lived his life with meaning and purpose and it was a testament to the love he had for his family, marked by hard work that he engaged in every day helping others even into his 90's, perseverance he displayed when life was tough, and resilience he showed when tragedies came. Robert lived an extraordinary life and was a blessing to so many along the way. He is and will forever be greatly missed and always cherished by his family and all those who loved him.

A service to celebrate Robert's life will be held on August 22, 2026 at 2 p.m. at RiverLife Church, located at 1012 57th St E, Bradenton, FL 34208 with Pastor Jerry Jeter officiating. Visitation will be from 1 p.m. to 2 p.m. A private graveside service will be held at a later date for his immediate family.

The family wishes to extend their heartfelt thanks to all who come to honor his memory and appreciates the love and support from all who knew him as they gather to celebrate a life well-lived.