Gene Arthur Godwin Roanoke, Virginia Obituary

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>
March 7, 1940 - July 6, 202603/07/194007/06/2026
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Susan King
July 18
Dr Godwin was a part of my life for very long time. He cared foe my mother for many years and a few foe me then got to work with him for several. A smart and kind man who took good care of his patients and those around him. But dod love a good shoulder massage. Lol will ... Continue Reading
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Page Marshall
July 17
Dr. Godwin always helped my friend, who was on a fixed income, when she was sick. He would help any way he could. So nice to have a doctor that truly had compassion for his patients.
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Fred Anderson
July 16
I knew Gene when we attended Trinity UMC. We became friends and after reading all these tributes I realized what a good friend he was. He was attending Roanoke College and we hung out together some. He loved green peppers. Rest in peace my FRIEND!! Fred Anderson
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Anonymous
July 15
With heartfelt sympathy. Thinking of you and your family during this difficult time. Wishing you peace and comfort.
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A tree was also planted in memory of Gene Arthur Godwin.
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Martha and Tom Gibbs
July 14
Dear Dotsie and Leanne,
We were saddened to see the notice about Gene’s passing. But what wonderful memories his patients shared! Gene was such a caring physician who made such a difference in so many lives. I agree with one of the patients in saying there aren’t many d... Continue Reading
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Judy Light Ayyildiz
July 14
Our family loved Gene Godwin. My
Late husband and Gene became good buddies years ago when Gene was an
Intern and Vedii was chief resident in surgery at Roanoke Memorial Hospital. Gene had such a compassionate way of dealing with other human beings. He was absolutely a ... Continue Reading
A candle was posted for Gene Arthur Godwin.
A candle was posted for Gene Arthur Godwin.
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Anjie McFarland
July 14
Dotsy: We have many wonderful memories of our time as neighbors on Chesterton St.. So sorry to hear of his passing. A fond memory we have is when Gene used our basement to build a doll house to surprise the girls at Christmas. All our love to you and the girls Bob a... Continue Reading
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Lisa Chase
July 13
So sad to hear of Dr Godwin’s passing. He was my doctor, along with the rest of my family since we moved to Salem in 1967, I was 2. He was always so kind and genuinely cared about all of his patients.

He was my dr growing up and right up until he retired. I remember wh... Continue Reading
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Warren Ferguson
July 13
Gene and I started school at West End Elementary and graduated at Jefferson together. We were teammates on the Salvation Army Boys Club sandlot football team.

He was a great guy, teammate and classmate. I always enjoyed running into and kidding him about his roller skat... Continue Reading
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Debbie Miller
July 12
Dr. Godwin was my doctor and just a wonderful doctor and man. When he was making rounds at the hospital he would always stop and talk if I ran into him. He had a real connection with his patients and could also be very funny. When I had my first child he popped into my r... Continue Reading
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