Tributes

Dr. George Donald Godfrey, age 92, of Portage, Indiana, entered into the presence of his Lord and Savior after courageously battling dementia for several years. He was born on May 1, 1934, in Cincinnati, Ohio, to William and Mildred Godfrey. He was preceded in death by his five brothers and three sisters. George is survived by his beloved wife, Marilyn Joyce Godfrey; his two daughters, Joyce Evelyn Björk (Dane) and Denise Grace Stewart (Dan); and his six grandchildren: Taylor Janson (Emma), Parker Janson (Julia), Lilly Björk, Kaitlyn Higgins (Jordan), Collin Stewart (Emily) and Dillon Stewart (Nevaeh). He was also blessed with four great-grandchildren, as well as many cherished nieces and nephews. George faithfully served in the United States Navy from 1955 to 1957. Stationed in Long Beach, California, he served aboard the USS Toledo. While there, he accepted Jesus Christ as his Savior at a servicemen's center, where Mrs. A. W. Smith had the privilege of leading him to Christ. After returning to Cincinnati in 1957, George joined Norwood Baptist Church, where he met Marilyn, the love of his life. From 1958 to 1962, he attended Bob Jones University in Greenville, South Carolina, where he majored in Bible. George and Marilyn were married on August 4, 1962, at Norwood Baptist Church. Feeling God's call to missionary service, George was commissioned by Baptist Mid-Missions on March 27, 1963, and was ordained to the gospel ministry by Norwood Baptist Church on January 12, 1964. In January 1965, George and Marilyn began their missionary ministry in Hilo, Hawaii, where they served until April 1969. During their time there, George founded Grace Baptist Church. After returning to Cincinnati for several years, the Lord led them to Hammond, Indiana, in June 1972. In 1973, George and Marilyn joined the faculty of Hyles-Anderson College, where they faithfully served for 15 years. George taught personal evangelism and Bible classes, investing in the lives of countless students preparing for Christian ministry. Following their years at the college, the Lord led them into full-time evangelism, a ministry they faithfully carried out for 21 years. George preached the Gospel in all 50 states and eight countries. He also authored five books and wrote the Gospel tract Five Steps to Heaven. His greatest passion was seeing people come to know Christ as their Savior. George was known for his warm sense of humor and his love of telling jokes. He enjoyed reading, building his library, and watching videos and DVDs. One of his greatest joys was spending time with his great-grandchildren, especially the two who lived nearby. Above all, George loved the Lord Jesus Christ and devoted his life to faithfully proclaiming the Gospel. His legacy of faith, service, and love for others will continue through the many lives he touched, and he will be deeply missed by his family, friends, and all who knew him.

Tributes

Dr. George Godfrey

May 1, 1934 - August 10, 2026