Doyal Virgil Godwin, Jr.

Doyal Virgil Godwin, Jr., 93, passed peacefully at Lake City VA Medical Center on August 20, 2023.

Doyal was born and raised in Miami, FL. He enlisted in the US Army in 1950. While stationed in Korea, he received a letter of recognition for designing and crafting the best "Out House" door design for his company. This was just the beginning of many awards, recognitions, and medals he earned throughout his military career. After graduating from the Army Aviation Helicopter Flight School in 1958, he was known as "Pappy" Godwin. That is a name that stuck with him all of these years. He was a member of the 7th Special Forces, the Green Berets, and served in Vietnam from 1965-1966.

After Doyal's retirement from the Army, the family moved from North Carolina to Union County, FL in 1984. He worked for Alachua County Sheriff's Department, and for more than 20 years as a volunteer with the Florida Wildlife and Game Commission. He taught Hunter Education Courses for young and old in North Central Florida. He volunteered with the County Extension Agriculture Agent implementing many programs that benefitted area farmers. Doyal spent much time with his church family in whatever area that he was needed. He will be remembered for all of the times he "cooked for an army" for the church and community. In his later years, his favorite spot to hang out was close to any coffee machine. He entertained many with his quick wit, yodeling, singing (he often made up his own lyrics), and warm smile.

He is predeceased by his parents, Lillian and Doyal Godwin, Sr., a sister, Martha Rudisill, and a brother, James Godwin. He is survived by his wife of 70 years, Wanda Dukes Godwin; his children, Steve (Gerda) Godwin, Debra (Tom) McMillan, Sharon (Ray) Kinard, and Donna Godwin all of Worthington Springs; his 9 grandchildren, 15 great-grandchildren, and 4 great-great grandchildren. Also left behnd is his brother-in-law, Wayne B. Dukes of Worthington Springs and a host of family and friends across the country.

Services for Doyal will be held on Thursday, August 24, 2023, at Archer-Milton Funeral Home. The funeral will begin at 11:00am with a visitation beginning an hour prior at 10:00am. He will be laid to rest following the service at North Pleasant Grove Baptist Church Cemetery. Arrangements are under the care and direction of Archer-Milton Funeral Home. 386-496-2008 www.archerfuneralhome.com