1952 Greensboro Jaycee President GROVER C. GODWIN, 94, passed away Saturday, December 20, 2014 after a brief illness and a fulfilled life. A celebration of his life will be held Monday, December 29 at 11 a.m. at St. Francis Episcopal Church with a reception to follow.Grover was born in Williamston and spent his childhood in Williamston and Asheville. He graduated high school from Christ School in Arden, and obtained his business degree from UNC-Chapel Hill, where he was a member of the Pi Kappa Alpha fraternity. Always a loyal Tarheel fan, he had fun times on trips and games with friends. .In 1941, after graduation from Carolina, he married his special love, Mary Midyette, in Aurora, and they had an especially happy marriage for 52 years until her sudden death in 1994. He enlisted in the Naval Officer Training Corps and served his country as a captain aboard anti-sub ships for three years. When in the reserves, he was called back to duty during the Korean War for two additional years.Upon his return to Greensboro, he opened his insurance business, Godwin Insurance Agency, which he successfully owned for 53 years until his retirement in 1990. He held the professional designation of CPCU and was an underwriting member of Lloyds of London. Ever the leader, he served as President of the NC Association of Mutual Insurance Agents and the Carolina Chapter of the Society of CPCU members.Grover was continually active in many civic organizations and held offices in most of them. He was president of the Greensboro Jaycees, Greensboro Heart Association, Gate City Kiwanis Club and the Young Businessmen's Club. He was a founding and charter member of St. Francis Episcopal Church, where he was active for many years, serving on the vestry and other various committees.He was a member of Starmount Forest Country Club for 65 years, High Meadows Golf and Country Club, the Gate City Kiwanis Club, the GGO Green Coat Club, the Revolution Masonic Lodge, the UNC Rams Club, and the 100 Club. He was truly giving of himself and supported so many other organizations. Upon retirement, he enjoyed golf, being at his home in the mountains, dancing, UNC sports, and being with his friends and family. He always enjoyed his many years at Pamlico Beach with the "crew." He volunteered with Mobile Meals and American Red Cross Blood Center.He is predeceased by his wife of 52 years, Mary Midyette Godwin, and his second wife, Hazel Swann Godwin. Surviving with special memories are his daughter, Beth Godwin Bramhall and her husband, Jim; four grandchildren, Chris Bramhall (Camille) of Greenville, SC, Cory Bramhall of Greensboro, Reid Bramhall of Charlotte, and Amy Summers (Justin) of Greensboro; and his brother, Louis P. Godwin, and Louis' family; two stepchildren, Tom Swann and Gayle Gordon and their families; three great-grandchildren and many friends throughout the years.We will remember our "Big Pop" for his caring soul, knowing how to have fun in whatever you do, teaching us how to work and play hard, but care for others among it all. He lived each "chapter of his life" (as he would say) to its fullest, finding the best of each day. Sweet Grover, we will have you and all you taught us with us always.In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the St. Francis Memorial Garden at St. Francis Episcopal Church, 3506 Lawndale Dr., 27408, or a charity of choice.
