Alvin Odell Godfrey

Alvin Odell Godfrey passed peacefully from this Earth on October 26, 2024, at the age of 92. Alvin was born on July 30, 1932, in his parents’ home near Sanford, North Carolina to Dave and Hattie Godfrey. He grew up working the farm along Highway 27 with his brothers Dave Jr., Roland, Louis and his sisters Laura Mae and Betty Ruth; all of whom have preceded him into the next life except for Betty Ruth, who is his only surviving sibling. Alvin enlisted in the U.S. Air Force in 1952, traveling during his tour of duty as far away as Greenland and Iceland. After his four-year enlistment was up he was honorably discharged with the rank of Staff Sergeant. 

During his last year of Air Force service, he met the love of his life, Annette Lee, on a blind double date. They were married in 1958 and in 1959, while still living and working in North Carolina, they were blessed with a son, Gary Alvin Godfrey. They welcomed the arrival of their second son Mitchell Todd Godfrey in 1967, a year after moving to Falls Church, Virginia. 

While living in Falls Church, Alvin was employed by the Washington Metropolitan Area Transit Authority, driving a bus for 16 years before moving on the D.C Metro Subway as a train operator once it opened. Riders would often compliment him on his clear baritone announcements and eventually he moved on to the Start-Up division of Metro. There he worked as a test train operator during the expansion of the Orange Line rail to Vienna Virginia, learning to operate Metro’s diesel locomotive engine, fulfilling a boyhood dream. He had the honor of being the operator for Virginia Governor’s ceremonial opening ride of that section of orange line. Eventually Alvin retired from WMATA with the title of Supervisor.

Upon retiring, Alvin and Annette moved to Sunset Beach, North Carolina. Alvin always loved the sea, fishing and boating were joys in his life and shortly after settling in their new home near the Intracoastal Waterway,  he found part-time employment on the Mary B fishing boat out of Calabash N.C. working for Captain Sam. Upon Captain Sam’s passing, Alvin retired from working completely, choosing to spend his time making wine in his Wine Shack and sharing the fruits of his labor with his many friends and neighbors who were constant visitors filling his remaining years with laughter and joy.

When he was young he worked the pit crew in Darlington for the 1st 2 time nascar champion Herb Thomas who drove the fabulous Hudson Hornet. . Alvin loved fishing, NASCAR racing, golf, and NFL football. He was a season ticket holder of the Washington Redskins for 25 years from the 60s, 70s and 80s. He loved country music, Johnny Cash, George Jones, and the Statler Brothers. But his favorite country singer was his wife, Annette. He loved to hear her sing and play guitar.  

Alvin is survived by his wife Annette, his sons Gary (Sue) Godfrey and Todd (Becky) Godfrey, his six grandchildren and six great grandchildren.

Favorite quotes: Bought wit is the best you can buy; if you don’t pay too dear for it.  Anything worth doing is worth doing right or it’s not worth doing at all. 

 A funeral service will be held at 11:30 AM Saturday, November 2, 2024 at Barbecue Presbyterian Church, 124 Barbecue Church Road, Sanford, NC with burial to follow in the church cemetery.  The family will receive friends in the fellowship hall following the service. 

O'Quinn-Peebles-Phillips Funeral Home is honored to serve the Godfrey family.

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