John Ray Godfrey

John Ray Godfrey, a beloved husband, father, Poppa, and coach, passed away peacefully at home on November 17, 2024, at the age of 80. Born on September 21, 1944, John Ray left an indelible mark in both sports and the lives he touched throughout his career and service.

A native of Aspermont, Texas, John Ray began his journey in athletics during his formative years, attending Peacock school before transferring to Aspermont High School. His passion and talent for basketball were evident early on, and he went on to play for the Abilene Christian Wildcats from 1964 to 1968 as a shooting guard. His exceptional skills on the court earned him several accolades, including a place on the second-team Division II All-American team in 1967 and the third team in 1968. In 1968, he was honored with the title of Southland Player of the Year, culminating a remarkable college career where he scored 1,467 points, ranking 11th in program history. He credits his success during his time at ACU to his teammates and coaches. 

Following his collegiate success, John Ray was selected as the 178th overall pick in the 1968 NBA draft by the Los Angeles Lakers, and caught the attention of the Houston Mavericks in the American Basketball Association draft. His talent led to an invitation to try out for the United States basketball team for the 1968 Summer Olympics, a testament to his dedication to the sport.

After his playing days, John Ray dedicated over 35 years to education, serving as a high school coach and administrator. His influence extended beyond the classroom; he was deeply admired for his commitment to mentoring young athletes and shaping their futures. His contributions to sports and education were recognized with inductions into the Abilene Christian University Sports Hall of Fame in 1989 and the Big Country Athletic Hall of Fame in 2011. In a significant honor, his jersey number 14 was retired by the Wildcats men’s basketball team in 2018—the first in the program's history.

John Ray's life was marked not only by his accomplishments in sports but also by his deep faith and commitment to his family. He married his high school sweetheart, Barbara Smith on July 9, 1962 in Aspermont. They were blessed to spend over sixty-two years together. He was a Godly man whose values were instilled in him by his loving parents, Olen Byron and Ina Mae (McNutt) Godfrey, and exemplified through his relationships with family and friends. He was grateful for the role his mother played in guiding him towards his faith and often reflected on the importance of family, expressing fond memories in a heartfelt note written on September 9, 2020. He cherished his brother, shared moments with his sister, and held dear the love and resilience demonstrated by his parents and grandparents. John Ray treasured watching his grandchildren in athletic events and loved spending time with his lifelong friends. 

John Ray's legacy will live on through his cherished family—his wife, Barbara (Smith) Godfrey; his son, Kirby (Kristin) Godfrey; son-in-law, Joe Jeffrey; grandchildren; Jack Godfrey, Joe Godfrey, Jesse Godfrey, John Godfrey, Kollin (Johnny) Smith, Addie (Colby) Stevenson, Klaire Jeffrey (fiancé Chandler McCombs), Olivia (Kelby) Bradbury and Erica Larry; great-grandchildren. Hudson Smith, Layne Smith, Ava McPherson, Quade Bradbury, Rowyn Bradbury, and Emmitt Larry: Julie Godfrey (grandson’s mother); outstanding nieces and nephews, Mike Godfrey, John (Stacey) Godfrey, Rhonda Teel, Eddie (Ashley) Niblett, and Jennings (Kursty)Teel; sister-in-law’s, Betty Smith and Jean Godfrey; rescue dog, Bubba; and many other great nieces, nephews, cousins, and lifelong friends.

He is preceded in death by his parents, Olen and Ina Mae Godfrey; beloved daughter, Kelly Jeffrey; brother, Syl Godfrey; sister, Jimmy Dale Teel; parent-in-laws, Thomas and Neely Smith; brother-in-law, Butch Smith; nephew, Steve Godfrey; and the best four-legged friend and navigator, Salty Dog.

As we remember John Ray Godfrey, we celebrate a life well-lived, marked by integrity, generosity, and a steadfast commitment to faith and family. His contributions to the world of athletics and the lives he impacted will never be forgotten.

Funeral Services will be 2:00 PM Tuesday, November 19, 2024 at the Peacock Baptist Church with burial to follow in Aspermont Cemetery. There will be a visitation at 5:30 PM on Monday, November 16, 2024 at the Peacock Baptist Church. Services under the direction by Adams-Foster-Ray Funeral Home. 

In lieu of flowers the family request that memorials be made to the following charities:

Kelly Jeffery Character, Courage and Commitment Scholarship Fund, 450 SW Ave F., Hamlin, Texas 79520

Stonewall County Ministerial Alliance 160 CR 463, Aspermont, Texas 79502

Stonewall County Senior Citizens, P.O. Box L., Aspermont, Texas 79502

Hospice of the Big Country, 4601 Hartford St., Abilene, Texas 79605