Obituary: Robert Baird Godley
Robert Baird Godley, of Wilmington North Carolina, died peacefully on Monday, August 28, 2023.
Bob was the father of Robert Baird Godley, Jr. (Abi) of Benson, North Carolina and Julie Borden Godley of Wilmington, North Carolina; grandfather of Robert Baird Godley, III (Shelby) and great-grandfather of Robert Baird Godley IV of Leland, North Carolina; and grandfather of Thomas McLean Godley of Charlotte, North Carolina. Bob was preceded in death by his beloved wife, Julia Wenberg Godley. He was the son of the late Ashton Little Godley and the late Borden Baird Godley; and brother of the late Ashton Little Godley, Jr. Bob is survived by his sister-in-law, Lou Watson Godley of Staunton, Virginia and nephews Bob Godley (Lorena) of Southern Shores, North Carolina and Ed Godley of Vero Beach, Florida. He is also survived by his brother-in-law, John Wendell Wenberg, Jr. and nephews Jack Wenberg and Ethan Wenberg.
Bob was born in Wilmington, Delaware on January 6, 1936. He graduated from New Hanover High School in 1954 and North Carolina State University in 1959. Bob and Julie were high school sweethearts and were married in 1959 and had 45 plus wonderful years together. He was a dedicated NCSU fan and loved going to football games with his family and still watched every football and basketball game to cheer for the Wolfpack. Bob began his career in Akron, Ohio with Babcock & Wilcox for 3 years. He then started a long career with DuPont living in Kinston, North Carolina, Wilmington, Delaware and then moving back to Wilmington, North Carolina in 1969 working for almost 33 years with DuPont.
Bob was a wonderful, kind, devoted man and loved and adored his family. He was the most positive man and was admired by all who knew him and never knew a stranger. Bob enjoyed travelling, playing golf, tennis, and bridge and was an avid pickleball player in his later years. He enjoyed spending time with his friends in the “Friday Night Group”. Bob was a life-long member of St. James Episcopal Parish, serving in various roles with the church over the years. He was passionate about his work at Mount Lebanon Chapel and served as Chairman of the grounds committee for 20 years. Mount Lebanon Chapel was truly one of his favorite places to be and he visited several times during the last year. Bob was personally motivated as a boy to learn to garden as he took a great interest in watching his grandmother work in her garden. He volunteered at the New Hanover County Arboretum and became a master gardener when he retired. Bob also enjoyed coaching church youth basketball and teaching the values of sportsmanship.
The family is very grateful for the wonderful care Bob received while living at Trinity Grove. Bob had a special relationship with many nurses and aides at Trinity Grove. Also, a special thanks to Lower Cape Fear LifeCare for their care in his last few months.
The funeral will be held at St. James Episcopal Parish on Saturday, September 2, 2023 at 2:00 p.m.
In lieu of flowers, please make memorials to Mount Lebanon Chapel and send to St. James Episcopal Parish, 25 South Third Street, Wilmington, North Carolina 28401. Or please make donations to Lower Cape Fear LifeCare at 1414 Physicians Drive, Wilmington, North Carolina 28401.