Ralph Edward Godbey

Reverend Ralph Edward Godbey, 89, passed away Saturday, February 24th at his home in Danville, Kentucky. He was born November 14, 1934 in Bethelridge, Kentucky one of nine children born to Howard and Ada Dick Godbey. He met his sweetheart, Paula Colleen Shadoan Godbey in Cincinnati, Ohio and they married on April 21, 1956.

Ralph was called to the mission field in the spring of 1966. He and his wife graduated from Baptist Bible College, Springfield, MO in 1970 and spent 13 years in Arizona on the Navajo Nation planting churches and spreading the gospel. He returned often to the Navajo Nation after retiring to help other missionaries carry on the work.  

Ralph returned to Kentucky in 1984 and established Anchor Baptist Church in Danville where he pastored for 13 years before retiring. Ralph was also an accomplished machinist and was greatly admired for his hard work ethic, strong handshake, and sincere desire to spread the gospel. 

Ralph is survived by his wife Paula Colleen, of 67 years, and his children, Edward Stuart Godbey of Nevada, Douglas Owen Godbey (Lucinda) of Arizona and Staci Godbey Dean (James Eric ). His grandchildren, Christopher Godbey, Annie Stowell, Jamin Godbey (Kristen), Andrea Music (Lee), Calvin Godbey (Cori), Dorrinda Hammond (Kyle), Brenda Snodderly (Aaron), Jacquelyn "Quinnie" Dean, and 19 great-grandchildren. Ralph is also survived by his brother Roy Godbey of Texas and sister Margaret (Chuck) Burton of Ohio. 

Ralph is preceded in death by his parents, Howard and Ada Godbey, and four brothers, Oral, Bill, Luther, and Gene Godbey, and two sisters, Delores Murray and Lillie Moore. 

Fourteen hours and thirty- five minutes after Grandpapa stepped into heaven grandchild number 19 was born: Rosalinda Sue Hammond.  Ralph had a great love for all of his grandchildren and it was a great joy for him to know they all made professions of faith before his passing. His sincere desire has always been to reunite with all his family in our eternal home with God.

A funeral Service will be held Thursday, February 29, 2024, at the chapel of Morris and Hislope Funeral Home at 11:00 Am with Pastor Steve Meece officiating.

Burial will follow in the Science Hill Cemetery.

The family will receive friends on Thursday from 9:30 AM till time for services at Morris and Hislope Funeral Home.

Morris and Hislope Funeral Home is honored to serve the family.