Commander Jackie Eugene Godwin, USN, Retired

Commander Jackie Eugene Godwin, USN, Retired, 84, of Attapulgus, passed away Friday, April 10, 2026.

The funeral service will be held at 11:00 a.m. on Friday, April 17, 2026, at Bryant Funeral Home Chapel with Pastor Steve Godwin officiating. Interment will be at Attapulgus Cemetery with Chuck Wade, Kevin Wade, Gregory Godwin, Chaz Wade, Drew Godwin, Wade Godwin, Matt Godwin, and Jimbo Godwin serving as active pallbearers.

The family will receive friends immediately following the service. Online visitors may sign the guest register at www.bryantfuneralga.com. Memorial donations may be made to Bainbridge-Decatur County Humane Society, 808 Zorn Road, Bainbridge, GA 39818 or Antioch Baptist Church, 2030 Antioch Church Road, Climax, GA 39834.

Jackie Eugene Godwin was born February 18, 1942, in Climax, GA, the son of Oscar & Kate Godwin. He was a graduate of Attapulgus High School and proudly served his country in the United States Navy retiring as Commander with 35 years of service. Jack served at various duty stations, settling in Decatur County nearly twenty years ago. He was a member of Antioch Baptist Church.

Jack began his Navy career as a Petty Officer and earned his way to Commander, never asking for more than the work required, and never giving less. His time aboard submarines suited him: steady under pressure, private by nature, and deeply committed to the mission and the men alongside him.

He carried that same standard into the rest of his life. Honor wasn’t something he talked about, it was something he practiced. Jack valued his heritage, kept his word, and expected the same from others.

At home, Jack’s world looked a little different. He spent years showing Great Danes, finding real enjoyment in the care, discipline, and quiet connection that came with it. He could also be found on the golf course, enjoying a cigar, or behind the wheel of his convertible Jaguar, small reminders that he appreciated life on his own terms. Jack was a family man in the truest sense—present, steady, and dependable. The kind of person you could count on without question.

Survivors include his wife of nearly 50 years, Cheryl Edenfield Godwin; his children, Catherine A. Godwin and Jacquelyn Godwin Wade (Chuck); his grandchildren, Katie, Chaz & April, Gregory & Rebekka, Rachael & Jamahl, Savanah, Abigail, and Mikey; his great-grandchildren, Brayleigh, Cash, Lexiebella, D.J., Everly, Layla, and Oakley; and his brother, Steve Godwin (Nancy). In addition to his parents, Jack was preceded in death by his son, Michael E. Edenfield, and his siblings, Jimmy Godwin, Lois Hand, and Linda Weathersby.