Paul was a 1949 graduate of the first graduating class of Lynn View High School. After graduation, he was employed by Mead Paper and retired after 42 years of service. Following retirement, he served as a consultant for Albany International for 10 years. He was a member of Vermont United Methodist Church for 63 years. He was a 50 plus years Master Mason and Scottish Rite Mason, as well as a Shriner. He was a volunteer Ranger at Warriors Path Golf Course for several years.
Paul was a loving husband, father, brother, granddaddy, and friend to all who knew him. Paul was a devout Christian with a servant’s heart who loved helping and serving others. His primary focus was being a dad to Kristie and Kim and granddaddy to all his grandchildren. Paul loved to fish, hunt, and play golf with his friends. His luminous smile and magnetic personality will be greatly missed.
He was preceded in death by his wife of 66 years, Violet Godsey; parents, Charlie and Townsey Godsey; siblings, L.C., Carles, Henry, Peggy, and Joe.
He is survived by his two daughters, Kristie Thompson and Kim Koesters (Dave); grandchildren, Dr. Blake Rozycki (James), Landon Thompson (Jordan), Russell Koesters (Darby), and Taylor Koesters; step-grandchildren, Major JD Koesters (Jess), and Kristine Culver (Chris); great grandchild, Miles Koesters; step great grandchildren, Graham, Sarah Kate, Harper, and Hayden.
Paul will be laid to rest at East Lawn Memorial Park at the Chapel of Memories Mausoleum, on Monday, October 19, 2026, at 11:00 am, officiated by James Harrison. Receiving of friends and family will be held that evening at Vermont United Methodist Church, on Monday, October 19, 2026, at 4:00 pm with a service to follow at 7:00 pm.
Pallbearers will be Landon Thompson, Dave Koesters, Russell Koesters, James Rozycki, Dwayne Godsey, Darryl Godsey, and Jack Baker.
In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made in Paul’s honor to Holston United Methodist Home for Children, 404 Holston Drive, Greeneville, TN 37743 or St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital, 501 St. Jude Place, Memphis, TN 37105.
The family wishes to express their sincere gratitude to the doctors, nurses, and staff at Bristol Regional Medical Center, NHC at Johnson City and Adoration Home Health for the kindness, support and care shown to Paul during his illness. We are also deeply grateful to Misty Copas for the dignity, patience, and loving care she brought to Paul's daily life over the last year.
Online condolences may be made to the Godsey family at www.eastlawnkingsport.com. East Lawn Funeral Home and Memorial Park have the honor of serving the Godsey family.
