George Euell Godby

George Euell Godby II, 68, of Okemos, MI passed away on August 22, 2016. George was born to George and Betty Godby on August 22, 1948. He had many fond childhood memories of growing up in East Lansing where he made lifelong friends, many from the East Lansing High School Class of 1966. He enjoyed family trips to West Virginia where he always felt so loved by his relatives there. George served in the US Marine Corps Reserves and was a graduate of Michigan State University.

A loyal Spartan, he spent many happy fall Saturdays tailgating and attending football games with his longtime friends Pete and Jeanne Shelley. George worked at St. Vincent’s Home for Children for many years and had a true gift for working with troubled youth. He was respected by the many staff members he mentored over the years and led by example. Later he was director of the Foster Grandparent Program; he found real joy in the role and always took special care of his grannies. George enjoyed playing softball and poker with old friends and neighbors, grilling a good steak, and visiting his in-laws on Anna Maria Island, FL where he loved floating on a pool raft reading a paperback.

He had a great sense of humor and loved a good laugh. George was a peaceful, loving and giving spirit which was reflected in his steadfast and devoted care of his wife and his in-laws in their later years. He always knew the right thing to do and never complained, even when life got difficult. As a father, they don’t come better and he will be remembered for his warmth, kindness, and presence.

George was preceded in death by his parents, brother David, and in-laws Bob and Marilyn Davis.

George is survived by Kristin Godby, his high school sweetheart and beloved wife of 47 years; children Joe Godby (Nicole) of Okemos, MI and Jenny Godby of Rolling Meadows, IL; grandchildren Madeline, Aidan, and Katherine Godby of Okemos, MI; sisters Barb Godby of East Lansing, MI and Julie Murray of Dimondale, MI; sister-in-law Susan Davis (Larry Boxer) of Oakland, CA; and many nieces and nephews. Like the endlessly selfless tree in Shel Silverstein’s children’s story The Giving Tree, George gave everything he had for his loved ones and they are deeply saddened to lose him.

Memorial Services will be held at a later date. Contributions can be made in George’s memory to the Salvation Army or the Greater Lansing Food Bank. Condolences and memories can be shared with the family at www.greastlansing.com.

The family is being served by Gorsline Runciman Funeral Homes, East Chapel.