Herschell E. Godwin, Jr.

PINE KNOLL SHORES – Herschell E. Godwin, Jr. referred to as “Buddy” of Pine Knoll Shores, NC passed away peacefully at the Crystal Coast Hospice House in Newport N.C. on April 4, 2022. Buddy was a native of Raleigh. After attending North Carolina State University and serving in the USAF, he joined the elevator industry as a field engineer and later served in other areas of the industry. In 1980, he joined the NC Dept. Of Labor, Elevator Division as a staff engineer. He designed and reviewed all elevators in state-owned buildings and approved permits for all elevators and escalators installed in the state. He also served as an elevator consultant to various state and federal agencies. Buddy represented the state of N.C. on the A17 Code committee and was chair of the CSA B44.1/ASMEA17.5 committee for eleven years. He was passionate about his work in the elevator industry. He retired from the state in 2000 and moved to North Topsail Beach, where he served as the town alderman. In 2002, he started an elevator consulting firm, The Godwin Company, and spent 12 years consulting with private and public agencies. He worked with many architects, university systems, and other public buildings to ensure elevator code compliance. He retired in 2014 due to health issues. Buddy is survived by his wife of 61 years, Judith Annette Godwin, his daughter Christian Draven Godwin, his son-in-law, Billy Howerdel, grandsons Atticus and Greyson Howerdel of California, sister Donna Crowder of Raleigh, and brother-in-law, Bob Crowder, sister, Sherry Mitchell of Cary, NC and his brother, James A. Godwin of Raleigh. He also has many nieces and nephews who loved him dearly, one of which is Blair Mitchell who lovingly helped care for him and his daily needs. Herschell was preceded in death by his son, Jeffrey Craig Godwin, his parents, Herschell and Grace Cooke Godwin, and his brother Ken Godwin. Funeral arrangements are by Bryan-Lee Funeral Home in Raleigh. The funeral will be Thursday, April 7, at 3 pm in the Mausoleum at Montlawn Memorial Park. Instead of flowers, the family requests donations be made to Crystal Coast Hospice House, Newport, NC, or the Pine Knoll Shores EMS. Online condolences may be made at www.bryan-leefuneralhome.com