December 20, 1937 – August 13, 2022
Arthur (Bill) William Godfrey Jr. of Sugar Land TX was a renowned and well-respected executive in the global chemical industry. Most of his career was with Texaco Chemical Company followed by ten years as a consultant for Dixie Chemical Company. Arthur is survived by his wife of 61 years, Marie. They have two children, Kevin, who married Patty, and Anne Marie, who married Hugh Fisher. Arthur and Marie consider each of the four their own children. Their children gave them five grandchildren: Alistair, Corey, Kathleen, Catherine, and Jack. Catherine and her husband Frank Zimmitti are the parents of Arthur’s great grandchild Rosina, who he was blessed to hold for the first time just weeks before his death.
Arthur is also survived by his sister, Jean King of Kennesaw, GA and six nephews. He was preceded in death by his parents Arthur and Catherine Godfrey and two sisters, Barbara Mizner and Mary Briganti.
Arthur was born in Providence, RI as the youngest of four. He always had a maturity and independence about himself. In fact, his grandchildren found it fascinating that he once took the train, at 14, into New York City to appear on the tv show, “The Name's the Same” as by coincidence he shared his name Arthur Godfrey with a well-known radio and television personality.
Arthur’s drive and independence had him working at a young age. He had to work full-time to be able to attend the Rhode Island School of Design (RISD) to study textile chemistry. When he first paid his tuition in cash, to which the man taking it said, “You really worked for this money.” He was always grateful to one of his teachers for encouraging him go to college. Following RISD, Arthur went on to Providence College for a Masters in Organic Chemistry.
In 1961, Arthur and Marie were married, and they moved to Storrs, CT where he received a PhD at University of Connecticut. Following graduation, they moved to Fishkill, NY where Arthur began working for Texaco Chemical Company as a research chemist, eventually rising to Senior VP of Sales for the company. After a distinguished career, Arthur decided to retire and spend more time with his family.
There are so many fond memories of Arthur that the family hold dear. He was so generous to those who knew him. Unfortunately, his health deteriorated over the course of this year. He ultimately passed away at St. Luke's Hospital, in the company of his family. He was so loved and will be missed.
In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation in Art’s memory to the Snowdrop Foundation, an organization that helps provide scholarships to college bound students who are survivors of pediatric cancer and help patients and family at Texas Children’s Cancer Center. Donations may be sent to:
Snowdrop Foundation, 7155 Old Katy Rd., Ste. N270 Houston, TX 77024
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