George Godley Jr.

George Washington Godley Jr., 87, of Bettie, passed away peacefully at home surrounded by loved ones on Friday, October 2, 2026.

A funeral service will be held at 11:00 a.m. on Thursday, October 8, 2026, at Trinity United Methodist Church in Marshallberg. The service will be livestreamed at noebrooks.net. Burial will follow at Woodville Gardens in Bettie. A visitation will take place Wednesday night from 6:00 pm. to 8:00 p.m. at Noe-Brooks Funeral Home of Morehead City. 

George was born on Tuesday, October 4, 1938, to George Washington Godley and Inez Godley Russell of Hampton County, South Carolina. During his childhood years, George spent most of his time with his grandparents, FD Johnson and Inez Rivers Johnson. George was the oldest of his siblings and spent many days outdoors with his brothers, Jim and Johnson Godley. Later in his early years he gained several other siblings that he remained close with throughout the years.

At the age of eighteen, George entered the United States Coast Guard, where he served for 20 years and retired as a Bosomate Chief E7. George met his wife, Lydia Faye, during his years in the Coast Guard. The first time Lydia saw George was at a bar in Atlantic Beach and his hair was sticking straight up and he was cross eyed, she looked at her best friend and said, “Lord have mercy, what is that”. However, this was the beginning of a 36 year marriage that was filled with happy memories. George and Lydia welcomed their daughter, Angela Dee Godley, his “Pookie”, in the year of 1967. Angie was his pride and joy. Angie spent many days with her daddy hunting, fishing, and playing golf. Their special bond continued throughout his life. After retiring from the Coast Guard, George began his career with the North Carolina State Ferry Division. George was a well-loved Captain of the Carteret and Silver Lake ferries for 22 years. His time working as Captain on the ferries led to many cherished friendships and lifelong connections. As George approached his second retirement, he unfortunately lost his wife, Lydia Faye Godley.

George was fortunate enough to find love again when he met Carroll. Carroll saw George dancing and said “I sure need to dance with that man” and the rest was history. He had a special nickname for Carroll and would lovingly refer to her as “blue fish eyes”. George and Carroll had a strong marriage, and she helped take care of him in his later years. George was a wonderful grandfather, and he spent so much of his time with Delsie, Colby, and Shelby. They lovingly called him “Georgie” and there was no one quite like him in their eyes. He taught his grandchildren to swing a golf club, swim, hunt, fish and drive (although not well) he would often say, “Go five over and hit cruise control” his grandchildren and him enjoyed the time they had together. George later got the pleasure of having great grandchildren. Nothing in this world gave him more joy in his later years than spending time with Maya and Rowan (who he called Graham). Heartbreak struck when his great granddaughter, Hallie, passed away, but he remained a pillar of strength for his family. George found great comfort in his pets during his later years. After his beloved dog “Nut” passed away he adopted two cats, Hamilton and Clyde, they will miss his companionship.

George was something else, but he had a heart of gold and he was a friend to everyone. He spent many days “tinkering” on things at Chadwick Tire with his best friend, Jimmy Chadwick. He enjoyed being on the water fishing, maintaining the pond and fields in Garner, hunting, golfing, and socializing. He was also a Mason and a Shriner. Above all, he loved his family, friends, and cherished nothing more than time spent with them. He never missed a birthday or any celebration when it came to those he loved.

He loved his family deeply and always made sure that they knew it! You never left his house without a hug or hung the phone up without an “I Love You”. George will be sorely missed by all that knew and loved him.

George is survived by his wife, Carroll Godley; daughter, Angie Godley Davis and husband, Randy of Marshallberg NC; stepson, Derek Faulk and wife, Janet of Garner, NC; grandson, Colby Davis of Marshallberg NC; granddaughter, Delsie Daniels and husband, Cayton of Marshallberg NC; granddaughter, Shelby Faulk Dudley and Husband, Ian of Cary, NC; great grandchildren, Maya and Rowan Daniels; brother, James (Jim) Godley and wife Doris of Hampton SC; brother, Johnson Godley of Hampton SC; brothers, David Russell and Mark Russell; sisters, Daphine Hedrick and Anne Whitney; sister-in-law, Linda Arthur; his grand-dog, Beau, and many nieces and nephews.

George is preceded in death by his first wife, Lydia Faye Godley; great granddaughter, Hallie Elizabeth Daniels; parents, George Washington Godley and Inez Godley Russell; grandparents, FD Johnson and Inez Rivers Johnson; brothers, Ike and Joe Russell.

The family would like to extend a special thank you to his amazing caregiver, Marley Neal; Otway Fire and Rescue; His Doctor James (Jamie) Crosswell, and the wonderful hospice nurses.

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations can be made to Trinity United Methodist Church in Marshallberg, NC, as this is where George found his faith in his Lord and savior Jesus Christ.

Condolences and life tributes may be sent to the family at www.noebrooks.net

Arrangements by Noe-Brooks Funeral Home & Crematory of Morehead City, NC.