Sammy Godsey died in his home on Thursday, June 7th 2018 in Canton, GA due to complications following his battle with cancer. He was 82.

Sammy was born on November 27th, 1935 in Atlanta, GA to his parents, Samuel Garrad Godsey and Cebelle Horton Godsey and had an older brother, Clifford Turner Godsey. Sam was an accomplished athlete as a baseball pitcher, basketball player, runner, tennis player and golfer. He served in the United States Army as a MP in Germany and played exhibition baseball games with the Army all over Europe. Upon returning stateside Sammy went on to graduate from Georgia State University with a degree in Business Administration. He married Lucretia "Chris" Bell Godsey on September 5th 1964. After a brief stint in Macon, GA Sam and Chris started their family in Decatur, GA having 2 daughters; Shannon Kate and Meredith Leigh. Sam enjoyed a long and successful career with Dillard Paper Company and built beloved friendships with coworkers and customers. Throughout this time Sam and Chris made homes in Decatur, Duluth (Berkley Lake) and South Forsyth where Sam loved to bushhog on his tractor and watch the sunset by the pond. He retired in 1998 and began a retirement filled with what he loved best: church, family, friends, golf, music, theatre, and enjoying a good meal. Sam and Chris also built a 2nd home in Cashiers, NC where he loved to entertain family and friends and play a round on "the best golf course ever" at CCSV.

Sammy was a kind, good natured and generous man. He loved to give and help when and however he was able. In lieu of flowers, the family request donations be made to 2 charities he supported; Haven of Rest, P.O. Box 466, Anderson, SC. or Eagle Ranch, P.O. Box 7200, Chestnut Mountain, Ga. 30502.

Sammy is survived by his wife, Chris Godsey, daughter and son-in-law, Shannon and Enrique Howard and granddaughter Evelyn Estela Howard of Cumming, GA; daughter and son-in-law, Leigh and Geoff Halsema, grandson Benjamin Samuel Halsema, granddaughter Meribelle Kate Halsema and Grandson Mack Robert Halsema of Milton, GA.

A memorial service for Sam will be held on Saturday, June 9th at 11:00a.m in the McFather Chapel of Canton First United Methodist Church 930 Lower Scott Mill Road Canton, GA 30114. Dr. Jim Kilgore will officiate. A Celebration of Sam for family and friends will follow the memorial service at the Cadence Clubhouse, 305 Lakeside Trace, Canton, Ga. 30115.

The caring staff of Darby Funeral Home is in charge of these arrangements.