JOHN PEACE GODFREY
John Peace Godfrey of Many passed away at home January 12, 2023 after a lengthy illness. He was 74. John was born in Pleasant Hill, Louisiana. He graduated from Many High School and attended Northwestern State University in Natchitoches. In 1970 he married the love of his life, Betsy Freeman, and together they had two children.
John had a successful career in the timber industry working with Vancouver Plywood Company and managing Godfrey Land & Timber. He was a past Area 3 Chairman of the Louisiana Forestry Association and was a member of the American Tree Farmer Association. John served on the Board of Directors of City Bank and Trust and was a committeeman for Ducks Unlimited.
John was a long-time member of the First United Methodist Church of Many, serving as Educational Superintendent and chairman of the Board of Trustees.
John was preceded in death by his parents, John Phillips Godfrey, a renowned trial lawyer in Sabine Parish, and Virginia Gaddis Godfrey, long-time mayor of Many and one of the first women to be elected mayor of a town in Louisiana. He is survived by his wife Ila Elizabeth “Betsy” Godfrey, children John P. Godfrey IV (Susan McCain Godfrey) of Natchitoches and Elizabeth McCall Godfrey McCullen (Brandon McCullen) of Benton, and grandchildren Madeline, Caroline, and Jackson Godfrey and Miles and Ila Ann McCullen. He also leaves his brother and sisters-inlaw, Ken and Mary Ellen Freeman of Many and Linnie Freeman and Jim McInerny of Houston, Texas, who know they have lost a true brother. He is also is survived by his nieces and nephews and their children.
John was legendary for his dry wit and humor. Anyone who knew John, is able to remember a turn of phrase that to this day brings a smile or makes you laugh. He was not a big talker, but when he spoke you knew to listen. John enjoyed the outdoors, hunting, and football. Both he and his son played football while at Many High School. John was an avid LSU football supporter. At the appointment of one LSU coach, John observed he needs to be more yards, not “Les Miles.” Little did he know at the time that Les Miles would be one of his grandson’s namesakes.
But above everything else, John treasured the time he spent with his family, who will remember not only his humor, but his wisdom. In caring for the family’s properties, John always advised his children and his grandchildren to always remember that “This isn’t your land, this is God’s land. We are stewards of the land to leave it better than we found it so that future generations will enjoy all of the benefits it has to offer.” The legacy of his love and guidance will remain with his family for generations to come.
Papa John will be greatly missed. Those honored to serve as pallbearers are Moses Curtis, Bruce Gandy, Matt Gandy, Lance Lambert, Michael Leach, Jeff Lewing, Peyton Freeman, Seth Freeman, and Jack McInerny. Honorary pallbearers are Don Burkett, Warren Founds, Robert Dale Geohagan, Clarence Gewin, Dean Lambert, Mike Nichols, Andy Payne, Mike Simpson, and Phil Troha.
A memorial service organized by Warren Meadows Funeral Home will be held at First United Church of Many Saturday, January 14. Visitation will be from 10 a.m. to noon with a service at 2 p.m. Burial will follow at the Many Cemetery.
Memorial donations may be made in the name of John Peace Godfrey to the Comfort Committee at the First United Methodist Church of Many.
