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AHOSKIE – Paul Mitchell Godwin, Jr., affectionately known as “Granddaddy Paul,” passed away peacefully on November 17, 2024, at the age of 84. Born on October 19, 1940, in Hertford County, North Carolina, Paul remained a lifelong resident of his beloved hometown, where he also breathed his last at ECU Health Roanoke Chowan Hospital in Ahoskie, NC.

Throughout his life, Paul embodied dedication and hard work, nurturing soil of the farms he tended, having contributed significantly during his tenure at the Farmers Chemical Plant and the Easco Aluminum Billet Plant, a reflection of a life devoted to family and community.

Paul was a man who cherished his family above all else. His grandsons were the light of his life, and there wasn’t a single ballgame he would miss. He was also an avid gardener, enjoyed fishing and hunting, and was a loyal Duke Blue Devil and Los Angeles Dodgers fan—traits that underscored his vibrant spirit and love for life’s simple pleasures.

A devoted Christian, Paul was a steadfast member of Oak Grove Baptist Church. He served faithfully as a former deacon and was a trustee, leaving a lasting impact on a congregation and community he cared deeply about. Paul’s life was a testament to unwavering faith, profound love for family, and a deep commitment to his community. He will be dearly missed and fondly remembered by all who knew him.

He is preceded in death by his parents, Paul Mitchell Godwin, Sr. and Vera Harrell Godwin; his brother, Donald Godwin; and his sister, Phyllis Frymier.

Left to honor his memory are his devoted wife of 63 years, Nancy Mitchell Godwin; his children, Nancy Freeman and her husband Larry of Ahoskie, Julie Hurdle and her husband Greg of Aulander, and Paul Mitchell Godwin, III and his wife Johnna of Ahoskie. Also cherishing their Granddaddy Paul’s memory are his grandchildren: Jason Harrell and wife Paula of Ahoskie, Justin Freeman and wife Sarah of Greenville, Austin Hurdle and wife Ashlyn of Aulander, Landon Hurdle and friend Renee of Ahoskie, Paul Godwin, IV and wife Ashley of Greenville, and Quincy Godwin of Ahoskie. His great-grandchildren: Kendall Harrell, Brayden White Godwin, Jesse “J.J.” Freeman, Luke Freeman, and Claire Freeman that will carry forward his legacy of love.

Friends and family will be received on Tuesday, November 19, 2024 from 6-7:30 p.m. at Garrett-Sykes Funeral Service, Ahoskie, NC, and other times at the home.

A funeral service, celebrating Paul’s life, will be held on Wednesday, November 20, 2024, at 11 a.m., at Oak Grove Baptist Church, Aulander, NC, with Pastor Greg Hurdle officiating. Following the service, Paul will be laid to rest at Highland Memorial Gardens, Ahoskie, NC. His grandsons, who were his pride and joy, will serve as pallbearers.

In lieu of flowers, the family kindly requests that memorial donations be made to Oak Grove Baptist Church, PO Box 247, Aulander, NC 27805, or online by visiting tmcfunding.com and searching under “Paul Godwin.”

Online condolences can be shared at www.garrettsykesfs.com. Funeral arrangements were entrusted to Garrett-Sykes Funeral Service – Ahoskie Chapel, Ahoskie, NC.