Mr. Michael B. "Bennie" Godwin, 88 of Lenox, Georgia Passed away July 25, 2015 at the Tift Regional Medical Center surrounded by his family that he loved so much. He was born June 3, 1927 in Cook County to the late Michael A. "Mike" Godwin and Mary Abbie Stone Godwin all of Lenox. He was a member of the Lakeview Baptist Church and liked to tell everyone he was the oldest male member of the church. He served his country during WWII as a member of the United States Air Force. Mr. Godwin grew up in Lenox and was employed by Armour and Company in Tifton until the plant closed. At that time he transferred to the plant in St. Petersburg, Florida and later to Tampa until his retirement. He moved back home to Lenox in 1980 and worked for the Cook County Board of Education for several years. He continued living in Lenox until his heavenly Father called him home. Mr. Godwin was an avid sports fan of the Cook High School football and baseball teams. He especially loved the Georgia Bulldogs and Atlanta Braves. His son gave him an Atlanta Braves cap that he proudly wore when they were winning, but has been known to throw it in the floor when they were losing after some foolish error cost them the game. He also loved being with friends and family telling funny stories and teasing them.

He is survived by his loving wife of 52 years, Mrs. Jean C. Godwin of Lenox; two daughters and sons-in-law: Lynn and Fred McKinney of Sylvester, Georgia; Tami and Matt Perry of Bradenton, Florida; one son and daughter-in-law, John and Kathy Witkowski of Hilton Head, South Carolina; and one son-in-law, Jack Melton of Evansville, Indiana; 7 grandchildren and 7 great grandchildren; his sister, Helen Dickens of Lawrenceville, Georgia; one brother and his wife, James Owen and Virginia Godwin of Lenox; three sisters-in-law: Louise Godwin, Peggy Godwin and Ruby Lee Godwin all of Lenox along with numerous nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by one daughter, Peggy Melton; four brothers, Sanford, Chic, Hughie and Roy Godwin; one sister, Myrtice Godwin Betts.

Funeral services were held at 11:00 AM, Tuesday, July 28, 2015 at the Lakeview Baptist Church with Rev. Dilliard Ensley and Rev. Stanley Hendricks officiating. Rev. Hendricks sang "Because He Lives"; Eric Betts, Craig Betts, Kevin Betts, Brian Betts and Abbie Barfield sang "Alpha and Omega"; and Susie Betts played the piano. Following the funeral service, in keeping with Mr. Godwin's wishes, he was cremated. Visitation was held from 6:00 to 8:00 PM Monday, July 27, 2015 at Boone Funeral Home, 1804 S. Hutchinson Ave., Adel, Georgia.

Condolences may be expressed online at www.boonefunerals.com. Boone Funeral Home is serving the Godwin family.