Mr. Alfred Lee Godwin

Alfred Lee Godwin, age 71 of Surry, VA went home to be with the Lord on February 21, 2020 at his residence.  Alfred was born on March 4, 1948 in Smithfield, VA to the late Joseph Westal Godwin and Mary Alice Greene.  He was preceded in death by his wife of 23 years, Vera H. Godwin, and his brothers, James Willis Godwin and twin, Albert Lee Godwin.

A 1968 graduate of Westside High School, Alfred, also known as “Lil Man”, was proud of his accomplishments as a student athlete on the football field and was an avid sports fan.  Upon graduating from Westside High School, Alfred attended Norfolk State University and graduated with a BA degree in History.  Alfred bled “Green and Gold” and loved being a Spartan Alum.  Alfred worked hard to provide for his family and can be best described as an “ole school” man of the house.  Alfred retired from Smithfield Foods after 30 plus years of service.  He was also a proud lifelong member of Main Street Baptist Church, where he served as a greeter.  Above all else, Alfred was a proud grandfather and loved to hear his grandchildren call him Granddaddy! 

Alfred is survived by his children, Leola Thompson-Lindsey (Will) of Overland Park, KS, Vaughn Thornton (Kristine) of Green Cove Springs, FL, and Joseph Godwin (Andrea) of Alexandria, VA; his grandchildren, Kirsten “Kir-Boo” Thompson, Zion “Z-Man” Thompson, Johnny “J-Ray” Thompson, Jr., Anastasya Thornton, Gianna “Gia” Thornton; his sisters, Alice “Dolly” Parker and Elizabeth “Lizzie” Crocker; his in-laws, Thomas Hardy (Gladys), Sarah Jean Walden, and Florease Minnis (Ralph) and a host of nieces, nephews, cousins, and other family and friends. 

A homegoing celebration will be held on Thursday, February 27, 2020, at Main Street Baptist Church at 11:00 AM, with Dr. James M. Harrison officiating.  Interment will follow at Mount Ray Cemetery.  Family will receive friends on Wednesday evening, February 26, 2020, 6pm – 8pm, at the church.  In lieu of flowers and food, the family request that donations be made to Main Street Baptist Church in Alfred’s name.