In Memoriam
Remembering Honorary Member and Past President Ed Godshall
It is with sadness that we report that Ed Godshall passed away peacefully at his home, surrounded by his family, last Tuesday. Ed had been battling cancer for the past year. Services will beat 2 PM, on Thursday, May 25, in the Kellett Chapel at Peachtree Presbyterian Church, 3434 Roswell Rd. NW, Atlanta, GA 30305.
Ed first joined the Rotary Club of Dunwoody on April 26, 1985, just one year after our Club was funded and served as Club President 1993-94 - the club's 10th anniversary year. As Club President, he started our Governor's Ball, which raised between $500,000 and $800,000 in the 25+ years that followed. It seemed only fitting that we include several photos here of Ed and Susan at the Governor's Ball. Some of you may remember Ed as one of the "cowboys of Dunwoody" as part of our anniversary Past Presidents' presentations, or as one of the "coneheads' along with Lang Wooddy, Gary Lane and others who added a touch of humor to our gatherings. Ed has been an Honorary Member of the Rotary Club of Dunwoody for the last several years. He also served the District in several capacities.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Winship Cancer Institute at Emory Saint Joseph's Hospital, 5665 Peachtree Dunwoody Road, Atlanta GA 30342, or winshipcancer.emory.edu; or Peachtree Presbyterian Church 3434 Roswell Road, NW, Atlanta, GA 30305, or peachtreechurch.com. You may also choose the charity of your choice to honor Ed.
In case you didn't see it, we are sharing the beautiful tribute to Ed from his family that appeared in this weekend's AJC:
Harold Edward Godshall was born on July 23, 1941, to
Forrest Cyril Godshall and Alice Ragin Godshall in Union, South Carolina, where
he attended school and grew up with two siblings. He attended Gardner Webb
University for two years before transferring to the University of South
Carolina and graduated with a Bachelor of Science degree and an MBA in Business
Administration. In 1960, Ed and Susan Felder, also from Union, were married,
and they had three daughters.
He began his career in telecommunications with Southern Bell in Charleston,
Columbia and Orangeburg, South Carolina and then moved to Dunwoody in 1978. He
worked for AT&T until he retired in 2007, but continued his career with
Combined Health Appeal of America, Marietta FiberNet, American Fiber Systems,
and the Blue Ridge Advisory Services.
Ed was an avid, lifelong fan of the South Carolina Gamecocks; he loved watching
all the teams, particularly going to football games with Susan where, for many
years, they tailgated with friends and family. He enjoyed playing golf with
friends at Rivermont Country Club and visiting the beach in Litchfield, South
Carolina.
Ed was a perfect gentleman and loved connecting with people, especially over
dinner with friends. He was a good storyteller, enjoyed reading stories with
Susan from library books, and watching movies.
Ed was a member of the of Dunwoody Rotary Club and served a term as president. He and Susan are members of Peachtree Presbyterian Church. He will be missed by his family and many friends made over so many years.
Ed is survived by Susan Felder Godshall, his wife of 62
years; daughters, Angela Blackmon (Luke), of Summerville, South Carolina,
Elizabeth Godshall and Amy Thomas (Mat), of Alpharetta. Six grandchildren: Ryan
Blackmon (Maggie), Ali Blackmon (Adam Seith), Joey Barone, Jack Barone, Taylor
Thomas, and Will Thomas, also survive him, as do two great-grandchildren: Lucas
Blackmon and Madelyn Blackmon. Ed's sister, Rosie Riddle Kolb (Jack) of Beaufort,
South Carolina; his sister-in-law, Tommie Godshall Bivens of Knoxville; and a
host of nieces and nephews also survive him. He was predeceased by his brother,
Forrest Ray Godshall; and his nephew, Clark Alan Godshall.