Johnnie Earl Godwin

Johnnie Earl Godwin, 70, passed away Thursday, January 12, 2023. Johnnie was born the sixth of seven children to Vivian Mae and German Godwin, in Johnston County, N.C. on May 6, 1952. Following his graduation from Smithfield-Selma Senior High School in 1970, Johnnie enlisted in the United States Airforce, working as a mechanic on military vehicles before transitioning to aircraft. During his time in the military, he had the opportunity to lead the honor guard, which he took great pride in. Johnnie's duties as an active member of the US Airforce took him to Alaska, California, Guam, Nevada, and New Jersey, and Korea before retiring from Grand Forks Air Force Base in North Dakota. After retiring, Johnnie returned to North Carolina, eventually settling in Smithfield, NC. Johnnie enjoyed music and dancing from an early age and became interested in photography and racquetball as an adult. He enjoyed taking pictures of his family and travels while in the military. In his retirement, he enjoyed relaxing, watching movies, and basketball. He is preceded in death by his mother, Vivian Mae, father, German, sisters, Victoria Ethridge, and Sandra Godwin, and brothers, Omega Godwin and Albert Amos. He is survived by his wife, Linda Godwin, and his daughter, Crystal Simmons, and granddaughter, Kiersten Simmons, daughter Dionne Wilson, granddaughter, Gabrielle Benson (Curtis), great granddaughter, Cali Benson, grandson, Kavon Bland, great granddaughter, Tianna Bland and daughter, Atula Godwin, brother, Ned Godwin (Betty Lou), sister, Amenda Harrison, as well as a host of nieces and nephews.

Viewing:
Thursday, January 19
1:00 PM to 6:00 PM
Sanders Funeral Home Chapel
806 E Market St
Smithfield, NC 27577
(919) 934-8416

Visitation:
Friday, January 20
11:00 AM to 12:00 PM
Shiloh Christian Church
211 Durham St.
Smithfield, NC 27577

Funeral Service:
Friday, January 20
12:00 PM
Shiloh Christian Church
211 Durham St.
Smithfield, NC 27577

Interment:
Monday, January 23
2:00 PM
Eastern Carolina Veterans State Cemetery
164 Long Plant Farm Rd.
Goldsboro, NC