Roy Earl Godfrey, former manager of NASA’s Saturn V and Shuttle Program offices, died on July 14th at his home in Huntsville, Alabama. He was 98. Roy was born in Knoxville, TN on November 23, 1922 to Samuel Clifford Godfrey and Bertha Elizabeth Bruhin. He met Barbara Ann Adams, a neighbor (and future bride) when he was 16. He graduated from Knoxville High School in 1941 and began work as a draftsman with the Corps of Engineers.
Roy earned his private pilot’s license at 16 and entered WWII service in February of 1943, and was trained as an Army Air Force Pilot, where he flew missions in the European theatre earning 3 bronze stars. He returned to the States in December of 1945 and married Barbara (“the prettiest thing I ever did see”).
Roy received his Mechanical Engineering degree and started to work with TVA and continued to take graduate courses in thermodynamics and propulsion. In 1953 he was hired by the Army to join the Army Ballistic Missile Agency (soon-to-become NASA) in Huntsville, Alabama.
From 1953 to 1974, he worked on various teams and vehicles within NASA, most notable of which were his project manager positions within the Saturn V and Space Shuttle programs. He was awarded the NASA Distinguished Service Medal, and two NASA Exceptional Service Medals before retirement in 1974.
Roy and Barbara then enjoyed their summers in Bass Harbor, Maine, and winters in McAllen, Texas. An avid hiker and golfer, Roy enjoyed the outdoors, reading and traveling. He also had a special talent for jewelry design and gemstone cutting.
He is survived by his children, Pamela Lloyd (Bill), Rick Godfrey (Martha Baker), David Godfrey (Julia), and Jan Lee (Steve.); 9 grandchildren and 2 step-grandchildren, Jennifer Perryman (Rodney), Ken Smith (Jennifer), Ryland Godfrey (Jenni), Ross Godfrey (Stephanie), Matthew Godfrey, Molly Bonds (Eric), Benjamin Godfrey, Katie Lee Roden (Kyle), Anna Lee-Sheehan (Luke), Carolyn Lloyd (Rebecca) and Delle Kincaid (John); 13 great-grandchildren and 6 step-great grandchildren, Jacob, Addison, Adam, Benjamin, Isla, Hunter, Alexa, Colton, Evelyn, Bailey, Forest, Oliver, June, Matthew, Tess, Will, Chelsea, Cade and Clayton.
He was preceded in death by his wife of almost 70 years, Barbara Ann Godfrey, and son, Steve Godfrey.
Visitation will be held on Friday, August 6 at 4:00 pm at Monte Sano United Methodist Church followed by a memorial service at 5:00.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Huntsville Land Trust, Monte Sano United Methodist Church, or the Microwave Dave Foundation.
