Wednesday, August 11, 2021 12:01 pm

Reverend John Thomas Godfrey, age 86, of Ellenboro, NC, went home to be with The Lord August 3, 2021.

He was the son to the late Charlie and Clara Harmon Godfrey and a native of Rutherford County. John was a salesman for Lutz Furniture in Shelby, before being called to preach. He pastored at Gray's Creek Baptist Church, Coopers Gap Baptist Church, State Line Baptist Church, Race Path Baptist Church and High Shoal Baptist Church, plus many interim positions. John was a loving husband, father, grandfather and brother.

In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by one brother Charles Godfrey and tsisters; Virl Davis and Opal Johnson.

John is survived by his wife of 66 years, Helen Melton Godfrey, 2 daughters; Terry Smith (John) and Leslie Godfrey Clay (Jim), 5 grandchildren & 3 great grandchildren.

The funeral was held August 7, 2021 at Race Path Baptist Church with Rev. Randall Cooper, Rev. Shane Adkins, Rev. Wesley Smith and Rev. Eugene Passmore officiating. In lieu of flowers, the family request donations be sent to Hospice of Cleveland County or to Gideons International.