Walter Francis Godwin

Posted on May 10, 2024

Walter Francis Godwin, 87, passed away on May 4, 2024 in Tallahassee.

He was born Aug. 7, 1936 in Valdosta, Ga., to Claude Godwin and Lydia Rose Godwin.

Walter honorably served his country in the United States Coast Guard and was involved with the Bay of Pigs Blockade.

He worked as an environmental scientist with St. John’s Water Management, where he specialized in water restoration and was instrumental in the SHAD Project.

He not only assisted in several publications, but also published many of his own articles.

In his spare time, he loved being out in the water and was an avid fisherman.

Walter was a great tennis player and was actively involved in the Gainesville League.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Claude Godwin and Lydia Rose Godwin; and his brother, Claude Godwin.

Mr. Godwin is survived by: his wife, Deborah A Hodge; his son, Jason (Elizabeth) Godwin; his two stepsons, James (Blair) Hodge and Michael (Miles) Hodge; and his grandchildren, Lilah Hodge, Connor Godwin, Parker Hodge, Marley Digby, Tyler Hodge, Sophia Godwin and Isabelle Godwin; along with nieces and nephews.

Memorial services will be held on Friday, May, 10, at Joe P. Burns Funeral Home of Perry at 2:30 p.m. with the Rev. JT Taylor officiating. The family will receive friends one hour prior to the service.

Interment services will be held at a later date at Sun Hill Cemetery in Valdosta, Ga.

In lieu of flowers, the family asks for donations to Oceana Charity in his name.

All arrangements are under the direction of Burns Funeral Home of Perry. Friends may sign the online guest book at www.joepburnsfuneralhomes.com.