The Record Newspapers - Hometown News For Orange County, Texas

Willis (Bill) H. Godwin, Jr., born April 6, 1938 in Port Arthur to Pricilla and Herman Godwin. He passed away June 3, at the age of 77, after a brief illness.

There will be a private family memorial.

He graduated from Orangefield High School and was very active in Boy Scouts where he achieved the rank of Eagle Scout. He was a graduate of Texas A & M University with a Masters Degree in Education. He played four years as a member of the Aggie football team from 1956-60, Gig’ Em Aggies.

He began his career in Bridge City as a coach and teacher and was a High School Principal there for 17 years. He was also a High School Principal in McGregor and Kirbyville. Upon retirement he and his wife moved to Hemphill, where he lived on Toledo Bend Lake. Bill aka. Pawpaw, grandpa, and grand pawpaw, was of great stature and character and loved by all. He was a retired educator who thought of all of his students as his very own children.

His greatest passion in life was fishing with his family and gardening. One of his greatest passions was creating one of a kind beautiful jewelry for all of his “girls” to enjoy. He was a man of strong faith who would never hesitate to lend a helping hand to a friend or a stranger. He was our hero and will be greatly missed. He was a selfless man who always put his family first.

He is preceded in death by his parents; sister Carolyn (Doll) Basone and grandson Patrick Godwin, Jr.

Bill is survived by his loving wife Norma Rudeseal Godwin of 55 years; four children and their families, Bill Godwin and wife Sheila of Tushka, OK, Liz Briggs and husband Milton, Pat Godwin and his wife Bettine and Carter Godwin and Sherice, all of Hemphill; grandchildren, Will and Lindsey Godwin, Carae Ellisor, Milton Briggs III and Brittni, Tyler and Lindsay Briggs, Collin and Britni Briggs, Meagan Godwin, Kazmine Godwin, Elle Godwin, Samantha Godwin and 35 great grandchildren; siblings John Godwin and wife Sandra of Hallsville, Gary Godwin and wife LoRene of Lufkin and sister Eda Rudeseal and husband Frank of AL.

If anyone wishes to make a contribution we will be setting up a scholarship in his name. More information will follow on a Facebook page.