Gene Arthur Godwin
<p>Dr. Godwin, age 86, passed away peacefully at home on July 6, 2026, surrounded by his loving family. Gene was born in Salisbury, NC, the beloved son of Arthur and Willie Godwin. He grew up in Roanoke and graduated from Jefferson High School.</p><p><br></p><p>Gene excelled as a biology major at Roanoke College and received his M.D. from the Medical College of Virginia in 1965. His dedication to his patients and medicine was only surpassed by his love of family and faith.</p><p><br></p><p>Dr. Godwin trained at Roanoke Memorial Hospital and then served his country in the U.S. Medical Corps in Vietnam with the 2nd Battalion, 12th Infantry. Gene was awarded the Bronze Star Medal, the 4th highest combat award in the U.S. Armed Forces. After returning from service, he partnered with Dr. Dick Williams as a General Practitioner in Salem, Virginia, and they were soon joined by Dr. Bill Eddins. Gene continued to serve the community for the next 43 years. Upon retiring, he continued his legacy of service with the Social Security Administration.</p><p><br></p><p>Dr. Godwin is survived by his loving wife of 63 years, Dorothy; daughter Dawn Leonard and husband Erik; daughter Leanne Hall and husband Pete; and grandchildren Anne Hayden, Turner, and Emma. Gene was further blessed with an extended family and lifelong friends.</p><p><br></p><p>From childhood, Gene was a devoted member of Trinity United Methodist Church in Roanoke, Virginia, where he served on the board for decades.</p><p><br></p><p>The family would like to thank Dr. Souha Khawam, Dr. Terrence May, Dr. Bankole and his colleagues, Dr. Dorsey, and the physicians at Valley Nephrology for their care and dedication. The family would also like to thank Tina and those who cared for him at home, as well as Reverend Joanna Paysour.</p><p><br></p><p>A private memorial will be held. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made in memory of Dr. Godwin to the Vasculitis Foundation (vasculitisfoundation.org) or Kids Soar Roanoke (kidsoar.org).</p><p><br></p><p>Arrangements by Oakey's Funeral Service, Roanoke Chapel, 540-982-2100.</p><p><br></p>Obituary
Dr. Godwin, age 86, passed away peacefully at home on July 6, 2026, surrounded by his loving family. Gene was born in Salisbury, NC, the beloved son of Arthur and Willie Godwin. He grew up in Roanoke and graduated from Jefferson High School.
Gene excelled as a biology major at Roanoke College and received his M.D. from the Medical College of Virginia in 1965. His dedication to his patients and medicine was only surpassed by his love of family and faith.
Dr. Godwin trained at Roanoke Memorial Hospital and then served his country in the U.S. Medical Corps in Vietnam with the 2nd Battalion, 12th Infantry. Gene was awarded the Bronze Star Medal, the 4th highest combat award in the U.S. Armed Forces. After returning from service, he partnered with Dr. Dick Williams as a General Practitioner in Salem, Virginia, and they were soon joined by Dr. Bill Eddins. Gene continued to serve the community for the next 43 years. Upon retiring, he continued his legacy of service with the Social Security Administration.
Dr. Godwin is survived by his loving wife of 63 years, Dorothy; daughter Dawn Leonard and husband Erik; daughter Leanne Hall and husband Pete; and grandchildren Anne Hayden, Turner, and Emma. Gene was further blessed with an extended family and lifelong friends.
From childhood, Gene was a devoted member of Trinity United Methodist Church in Roanoke, Virginia, where he served on the board for decades.
The family would like to thank Dr. Souha Khawam, Dr. Terrence May, Dr. Bankole and his colleagues, Dr. Dorsey, and the physicians at Valley Nephrology for their care and dedication. The family would also like to thank Tina and those who cared for him at home, as well as Reverend Joanna Paysour.
A private memorial will be held. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made in memory of Dr. Godwin to the Vasculitis Foundation (vasculitisfoundation.org) or Kids Soar Roanoke (kidsoar.org).
Arrangements by Oakey's Funeral Service, Roanoke Chapel, 540-982-2100.
Events
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