Mr. Jerry Godby, age 67, of Donalsonville died Friday, May 21, 2010, at his residence.

Mr. Godby was born in Seminole County on September 26, 1942, to the late Archie and Louise Spooner Godby. Sheriff Godby, as everyone still called him even though he retired in December of 2008, ran for the office of Seminole County sheriff in 1976. After winning this election, he took office in January of 1977 and remained as sheriff until his retirement in 2008. He was an active member of Donalsonville First Baptist Church, where he was a member of the choir and served as a deacon. He was also an active member of the Donalsonville Lions Club, for which he was currently serving as president.

Funeral services were held Sunday, May 23, at 4:00 p.m. at the First Baptist Church of Donalsonville with Rev. Tim Bell and Dr. Ron McCaskill officiating. Interment followed in Friendship Cemetery.

Pallbearers were Tony Godby, Paul Minshew, Todd Hornsby, Blake Hiccks, Blayne O’Hearn, Michael Ready, Bradley Grantham,. Johnny McMullen, and Danny Cosby.

Honorary pallbearers were the Seminole County Sheriff’s Office and other law enforcement agencies from all around the state as well as members of the Donalsonville Lions Club.

Survivors include his wife, Linda Godby, Donalsonville; brother, Lewis (Brenda) Godby, Donalsonville; three sisters, Peggy (Bob) Bankston, Sylvia (Marlon) James, Donalsonville, Janice (Roger) Mann, Tennessee; as well as several nieces, nephews, great-nieces, great-nephews, aunts and uncles.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Archie and Louise Spooner Godby; a sister, Wanda Gail Godby; and a brother, Joseph Carl Godby.