Frank Hudson Godsey Jr.

Born on July 10, 1947, in Lynchburg, he was the son of the late Frank H. Godsey Sr. and Mary Godsey. In addition to his parents, Frank was preceded in death by his niece, Amy Lowe Watson; brother-in-law, Roger Hudgins Sr.; and oldest sister, Mary Ann “Mercy” Reynolds.

Frank was raised in Campbell County. He proudly served his country as a United States Marine during the Vietnam War. Following his tour of duty, Frank returned to Lynchburg and began a career as a firefighter and EMT with the Lynchburg Fire Department. He began his career on September 2,1973 and retired on December 1, 2000, after 27 years of service.

When his children were young, Frank enjoyed coaching Little League football in Concord, VA. He was a proud football and cheerleading dad for many years and cherished supporting his children in all of their activities.

Frank spent his retirement years living at Smith Mountain Lake. He worked several part-time jobs during retirement until his health no longer permitted him to do so. He was instrumental in the success of Silver Sneakers at the Moneta YMCA/MAC until the businesses closed. Through the years, Frank made many lifelong friends while living at Smith Mountain Lake and later in Moneta and Huddleston.

Frank is survived by his son, Stephen H. Godsey, and his wife, Amanda; daughter, Susan G. Hager, and her husband, Jason; and daughter, Alison G. Creasy. He is also survived by his grandchildren, Ashton G. Phillips and her husband, Neal; Adam H. Godsey and Wednesday Hertzberg; Amelia K. Godsey; Jackson D. Hager; and Evan M. Hager; and one great-grandson, Hudson R. Phillips. Frank was particularly proud that his family continues to carry on the name Hudson.

Also surviving are his loving sisters, Patti Hudgins and Evelyn Woody and her husband, Len; and nephews, John Lowe Jr., Michael Lowe, and Christopher Reynolds.

The family extends heartfelt thanks to Patti and Evelyn for their constant support of Frank, especially during his final days.

The family would also like to express their sincere gratitude to Salem VA Hospital for the years of care they provided Frank, as well as to the ICU staff at Centra Bedford Memorial Hospital and the staff at Centra Specialty Hospital for their care during the last three weeks of his life.

The family will receive friends on Sunday, October 4, 2026, from 2:00 to 2:45 p.m. at Whitten Timberlake Chapel. A Celebration of Life Memorial Service will immediately follow at 3:00 p.m. with Pastor Joe Elmore officiating. Full military honors will be presented by American Legion Post 16.

In lieu of flowers, the family suggests donations to Racing For Heroes, 1100 Ace Drive, Alton, Virginia 24520.

Racing For Heroes is a 501(c)(3) veteran-service nonprofit organization in Alton, Virginia, dedicated to helping veterans and first responders overcome the seen and unseen wounds of service.