Charles Godwin

Benson, NC:  Mr. Charles Dixon Godwin, age 91, died Tuesday, July 10, 2012 at Liberty Commons Nursing and Rehabilitation Center in Benson.  Funeral Services will be 11:00 AM Saturday, July 14, 2012, at the Rose & Graham Funeral Home Chapel in Benson.  Officiating will be Rev. Keith Pleasant. Burial will follow in Roselawn Cemetery. Mr. Godwin was the second of nine children born September 11, 1920, to the late Jennings Bryan and Mae Belle Dixon Godwin. He was also preceded in death by his wife of 45 years, Marie Helwick Godwin; brothers, William, Ben, Earl, Mack, and Walter Godwin; and sister, Margaret Godwin Pipkin. At the age of 17, with his parent’s permission, he joined the United States Navy.  He was a member of “The Greatest Generation,” serving 20 years in the U. S. Navy and 20 years as a government employee, totaling 40 years of service to his country.  While in the Navy, he was stationed in several ports: Norfolk, Chicago, Philadelphia, Jacksonville, Pearl Harbor, Pensacola and Cherry Point, serving on aircraft carriers as an aircraft mechanic.  During his active duty, he participated in World War II, Korean War and Cold War.  After serving his country, he returned to his hometown of Benson, living on the parcel of land where he was born.  During his retirement years, he enjoyed spending time with his family and friends and lifelong hobby of hunting with his beagles. Mr. Godwin was a member of Pleasant Hill Christian Church in Benson.  He previously was a member and served as a deacon at Cherry Point Baptist Church in Havelock Mr. Godwin is survived by his daughter and son-in-law, Barbara and Gary Spidel of Arlington, Texas; granddaughters, Jennifer Leigh Spidel of Fort Worth, TX and Angela Spidel Blake (Chris) of Houston, TX; Brother, Roy Joe Godwin (Sue) of Benson; and Sister, Peggy Godwin McDade (Gene) of Raleigh; 16 nieces and nephews and numerous other relatives. Family will receive friends at Rose & Graham Funeral Home in Benson from 6:00PM to 8:00PM Friday, July 13, 2012.