Marvin "Buddy" Edmond Godbold, Jr.

Marvin “Buddy” Edmond Godbold, Jr., 79, of Baldwin, FL, passed away on Wednesday, May 21, 2025. Born to Marvin Edmond Godbold, Sr. and Ruby Louise Sanders on March 8, 1946 in Wellborn, FL, Buddy was a loving husband to his “darlin”, Karen, for more than 60 years and a devoted father to his three children.

With a spirit of tenacity and hard work, Buddy dedicated over 25 years to the Town of Baldwin in his roles as Town Foreman and Mayor. Some of his proudest achievements include the Coleman House restoration, community Fourth of July events and the creation of the Annual Christmas celebration that has been a tradition now for over 30 years. He spent many hours with the senior citizens of Baldwin, organizing activities and outings and obtaining grants for many other projects such as a town market and securing land for the Baldwin Little League field.

Buddy always had a deep appreciation for all of God’s gifts in nature. In his free time, he enjoyed nothing more than a day working in his yard “piddlin”. He grew vegetable gardens, always had multiple building projects, made friends with the neighborhood cats and would sit and whistle back and forth with the birds.

Preceding Buddy in death were both of his parents. Survived by his wife, Karen Godbold and children and their spouses, Melissa Carr (Stewart), Michael Godbold and Marc Godbold (Diana). Buddy is also survived by his cherished grandchildren, Hannah, Ryan (Heather), Olivia and Nathan. Also his sister Julia Loeffler, aunt Charlene Sanders and several nieces and nephews.

A memorial service will be held at First Baptist Church of Baldwin with Pastor Chris Drum officiating on Friday, June 6, 2025, at 11am.

In lieu of flowers, you may make donations to Haven Hospice at https://havenhospice.com/donate.