Mr. Delma Jewell Godfrey, age 84, of Central Drive in Oconee passed away on Thursday, November 24, 2022, following an extended illness. A funeral service to celebrate his life will be held on Tuesday, November 29th at 2:00 P.M. in the May and Smith Funeral Home Chapel with burial in the Bays Springs Cemetery of Oconee. Reverend Andy Yates and Reverend Gary Yonce will officiate. The family will greet friends on Monday from 5:00 P.M. to 7:00 P.M. in the May and Smith Funeral Home of Sandersville. Pallbearers will be Mike Brantley, Correll Godfrey, Lincoln Godfrey, Noel Godfrey, Bernard Yates, Jr., Kaide Yates, Mike Yates, and Wayne Yates. Honorary Pallbearers will be Zachary Brantley, Daniel Brown, Dalton Davis, Jordan Davis, Brad Johnson, and Clayton Webb.
Mr. Godfrey was a native and lifelong resident of Oconee, the son of the late Ernest Correll Godfrey and the late Ada Mae Jackson Godfrey. He graduated from the Tennille High School in early-1957 and married his high school sweetheart, Kathelene Yates, later that year. Delma began his working career with J.P. Stevens and retired from Englehard/BASF following 41 years as a Heavy Equipment Operator. In retirement, Mr. Godfrey assisted with the City of Oconee’s water system. He was a faithful member of the Oconee Volunteer Fire Department for 58 years and a longtime and active member of Oconee Church of God. Delma was an avid outdoorsman and enjoyed to hunt and fish. Mr. Godfrey was preceded in death by his son, Delma Lamar Godfrey.
Survivors include his wife Kathelene Yates Godfrey; grandsons, Christopher Godfrey and Robert Brian Godfrey; great-grandson, Logan Cael Godfrey; and brother, Lester Godfrey and wife Margie all of Oconee.
The family suggests that donations be made to the Oconee Church of God, P.O. Box 37, Oconee, Georgia 31067
Online condolences may be expressed at mayandsmithfuneraldirectors.com.
May and Smith Funeral Directors is in charge of these arrangements.