Ronald Eugene Godfrey

Ronald Eugene (Gene) Godfrey passed peacefully in his home on February 28, 2024. Born on February 16, 1927, Gene lived an incredibly blessed 97 years filled with love and faith. He was married to the love of his life, Gayle Godfrey, for nearly 33 years. He lived his life dedicated to his family and friends. Gene was a very kind, patient, and loving husband, dad, grandpa, and great grandpa.

At the young age of 17, Gene enlisted in the Navy. He proudly served during WW2 and the Korean War. During both enlistments, he was on the USS Orion, a submarine repair ship. Gene was always proud of serving his country. Wearing his Navy ball cap with pride, he loved to talk about his experiences to anyone who would like to hear his Navy stories.

After returning to civilian life, Gene worked for BellSouth where he held many positions - phone installer, lineman, construction worker, and assignment officer. He retired from BellSouth after over 30 years.

Later in life, Gene and Gayle traveled the country with great friends, Dale and Sandy Zanchi, visiting all 50 states with the end goal of Gayle and friends running a marathon in each state. Gene was happy to provide the transportation and was more than content to be on the sideline, cheering on the runners as they crossed the finish line.

Gene cherished family time. He loved hosting parties at their home and was often seen with a video camera recording every moment. No one ever knew if they were being recorded, as he loved to keep tape over the light to keep everyone on their toes. He loved his trips to Ft. Myers Beach, Florida, although he rarely was ever seen on the beach. He watched from the balcony above, never wanting to be too far away from the party.

Gene was a proud Kosair Shriner, Mason in the Plumb Lodge, and member of the Scottish Rite Temple, American Legion, Southeast Christian, and Iroquois Hill Runners.

Gene was preceded to heaven by his parents, Etta Lee and Sam Godfrey; his brother and sister-in-law, Bob and Jean Godfrey; and his sisters, Joan and Doris.

Gene will be deeply missed by his beloved wife, Gayle Godfrey; daughter, Mary Godfrey; his stepchildren: Tymna Oberhausen (Steve), Jennifer Mattingly (Bob), Jonathan Griffis; his grandson, Trey Godfrey (Christine); many grandchildren and great-grandchildren: Caleb and Sloane Godfrey: Brien, Evan, and Maris Oberhausen: Braden, Joe (Jackie), Carrie, and Allie Mattingly; sister-in-law, Susan Stinebruner (Ronnie); niece, Angie Burchett; nephews, Wayne Godfrey (Janet) and Scott Stinebruner (Terri); great-nephews and nieces: Ryan and Lily Burchett and Katie, Ben, and Emily Stinebruner; and a multitude of family and friends that would fill a book!

Visitation will be at 10:00 am on Wednesday, March 6, 2024 at Chapel in the Woods 1407 Moser Rd, Louisville, KY 40299. His Celebration of Life will be at the church at 12pm followed by burial at Cave Hill Cemetery.

His family would like to thank Hosparus and Baptist Home Health for their caring and support.

The family would also like to thank his Mission Barbecue family for their love, respect, and great food. Special thanks to Rosie and Donnie.

Memorials may be made in Gene's honor to any of the following organizations: Hosparus Health Louisville,
Honor Flight Bluegrass.

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