On Tuesday morning, November 18, 2025, Jerry Leroy Godwin, loving father and grandfather, passed away at the age of 77, in Seffner, Florida.

Jerry was born January 7, 1948, in Plant City, Florida to Leroy and Doris Godwin. He attended King High School in Tampa, Florida. However, most of his education was in the “School of Hard Knocks.” Jerry worked for many years in construction with his father in the Tampa area. He had a passion for racing. In the early 1970’s he raced cars at the Golden Gate Speedway. He later joined the mudslinging community and built a couple of different vehicles for racing in these events. When he was not racing, he enjoyed spending time outside fishing and hunting. This is where he felt the most at peace. Another passion that Jerry had was cooking (and eating!). Those who knew him well would affectionately call him Chef Boy R.D. (Round Daddy). He had dreamed for many years about starting a Devil Crab business.

Jerry was a born storyteller. He could make any event sound bigger than life, and often with some exaggeration. And he certainly lived a life that left room for plenty of stories. Jerry enjoyed watching old Western movies, listening to country music, and going fishing. He was friendly towards everyone he met. He loved his family and looked forward to spending time with them.

Jerry was predeceased in death by his father, Leroy Godwin, and his mother, Dorothy Doris Godwin, along with his brother, John Gafford. He is survived by his sister, Barbara Sistrunk, of Newton, GA; his sister Sandra Casey of Inverness, FL; His son, Chad Godwin (Sam) of Zephyrhills, FL; his daughter, Melissa Clarke (Lee) of Newton, VA; his son, Thomas Godwin (Kim) of Seffner, FL; his son, Johnny Godwin (Misty) of Tampa, FL; his daughter, Jeannie Thomas (Jason) of Dover, FL; He has ten grandchildren including Billy Godwin, Jenifer Missick, Alexandra Fisher, James Hanna, Cassidy Gonzalez, Ashley Groves, Andrew Brodsky, Luke Thomas, Erin Thomas, and Kari Thomas; He also has eight great-grandchildren and several nieces and nephews.

A Celebration of Life is being planned for Saturday, January 3, 2026, from 12pm to 4pm at the FOP at 9001 N. Taylor Rd. Seffner, FL. We will begin with a brief memorial service and follow with food and stories. Please reach out to Thomas Godwin or Jeannie Thomas for more details if needed.