Marine Gunner CWO4 Neil Warren Goddard

Marine Gunner CWO4 Neil Warren Goddard passed from this life on Wednesday, June 7, 2023. Neil was born on October 14, 1934, in Decatur, GA. He served over 30 years in the U.S. Marine Corp, and subsequently served as the evidence custodian for the City of Raleigh Police Department.

Neil loved to fly, earning his private pilot’s license in the early 1970s. He enjoyed participating in the Young Eagles program, giving over 100 kids their first flying experience. Not one to avoid risk, Neil also earned a hot air balloon license and flew his balloon for many years.

After retiring for good, Neil spent many hours helping his wife Mary Frances support the Fuquay Varina Emergency Food Pantry. They enjoyed traveling around the world, taking several trips to Europe to visit WWII sites, and several train trips in the western US and Canada. Over his lifetime, he was able to visit six of the seven continents.  Neil also enjoyed the companionship of many pets over the years including his beloved dachshunds.

Neil is survived by his wife of 62 years Mary Frances Johnston Goddard, three daughters and their spouses- Sharon Edmundson and husband Drew, Sandy Malkin and husband Brad, and Susan Bailey and husband Bob. He also had four grandchildren - Joseph and James Edmundson, and Ben and Lindsay Malkin. Neil is predeceased by his parents Albert Lafeyette Goddard and Mamie Treadwell Goddard, brother Albert Lee Goddard, and sister Mary Lyndall Jackson.

The family is extremely grateful for the caring staff at the N.C. Veterans’ Home in Fayetteville and thank them for their dedication and service to Neil and all the other veterans living under their care.

In lieu of flowers, the family asks that you consider a donation in Neil’s memory to the Fuquay Varina Emergency Food Pantry or the Fuquay Varina Baptist Church.

Visitation will be held on Sunday, June 11 from 2-4 pm at the O’Quinn Peebles Phillips Funeral Home in Lillington, NC.  Graveside services will be held on Monday, June 12 at 11 am at the Wake Chapel cemetery in Fuquay Varina.

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