Johnny Eugene Godard

After more than 70 years, on May 4, 2023, the Lord called our Patriarch, Johnny E. Godard home to receive his crown. He passed away peacefully at home. He was born July 12, 1952, in Douglas, GA to John Henry Godard and Savannah (Shaw) Godard. Johnny was the oldest of 9 children. He was preceded in death by his parents; Wife, Rita (Warfield) Godard; and Sister, Denise Greene.

Johnny graduated from Central High School, Kansas City, MO in 1970 and shortly thereafter joined the Marine Corps, where he served our nation proudly for two years. After leaving the armed forces, he married the love of his life Rita. Their union and enthusiasm to succeed in life eventually lead them to Orlando, FL. in the winter of 1989. While in Florida, Johnny received his Bachelor of Science in Professional Management from Nova Southeastern University. Johnny and Rita lived happily in the Orlando area for the remainder of their lives together. During their 40+ years of marriage, they had two children, Kenneth and Lakenna. Johnny and Rita made a concerted effort to expose them to different cultures by taking them on frequent family vacations. While in Kansas City, Johnny had a successful career at Armco Steel-Union Wire Rope. In Orlando, Johnny continued his career with Lucent Technologies and Quietflex Corporation. After many years of dedicated service, Johnny retired from Quietflex to be the primary caregiver for his beloved wife who had become ill. In both cities he developed and maintained many long-lasting friendships with classmates, co-workers, neighbors, and the community at-large.

Johnny accepted Christ at an early age and actively served in ministries in every church he joined. Like his mother Savannah, Johnny had a wonderful way of sharing and expressing his love for his family and everyone that he met. His innate ability to make those he met instantly feel welcome was truly a gift from God.

Johnny enjoyed traveling with his family, especially with his ride-or-die brother Kenneth Bruce. Cruising the seven seas, being one of their preferred modes of transportation and vacationing venues. Johnny was a passionate golfer, a sport taught to him by his cousin Avery Williamson. After mastering the sport, he introduced the game to his son Kenneth, his 4 younger brothers, his sister Nancy, and his nephew Marc at the early age of 4 years old. Marc became Johnny's protégé and eventually became his toughest opponent. However, Johnny was quick to boast that he taught Marc well!! Johnny was a member of the Heart of America Golf Association (HAGA), where he served as president for two terms. The HAGA was instrumental in introducing many young African Americans to the sport of golf. He was also a member of the Just a Bunch of Guys Traveling Golf Club, playing competitively with golfers across the country. He was instrumental in establishing the Shaw Family Reunion Golf Tournament, which he won on many occasions! Rita and Johnny were avid bowlers and he was also a competitive tennis player. Johnny truly loved sports, in his later years he especially enjoyed watching his hometown Super-Bowl Champions Kansas City Chiefs, Golden State Warriors, and everything golf!! However, his greatest love was for his wife and family.

Johnny leaves to cherish his memory, his son Kenneth D. Godard (Tawania); Atlanta GA and daughter LaKenna McGhee, Phoenix AZ. Brothers Tommy Godard, Kansas City, MO; Kenneth Godard, Orlando FL; Kevin Godard (Velva), Snellville, GA; and Terry Godard, Kansas City, MO. Sisters Nancy Guthrie (William), Alexandria VA; Victoria Renfrow (Clinton) and Angela Davis both from Kansas City, MO. Six grandchildren, great grandchildren, aunts, nieces, nephews, cousins, a dear cousin Zodie Vickers, the family's adoptive mother Lily Burney, and a host of friends. 

In lieu of flowers, the family has requested donations be made in the name of Johnny E. Godard to the Prostate Cancer Foundation.

https://www.pcf.org/