Gerald Thomas "GT" Godwin

Gerald Thomas "GT" Godwin, Sr., of Monroe, North Carolina, died peacefully on Monday, December 30, 2013, after a courageous battle with lung cancer. He passed in his wife’s arms, surrounded by his children at Presbyterian Hospital, Matthews. He is met in heaven by his parents, Bright and Hallie Godwin, and his brother, Lynn.

He is survived by his loving wife of 63 years, Esther, his daughters, Cynthia Beam (Sonny), Denise Wade (Denny), and Donna Snowden, his son, Gerry (Niki), his sisters, Palma Lee Harris (Noah) and Linda Jewel Huffman (Dwight), 13 grandchildren, 23 great-grandchildren, and two great-great-grandchildren.

GT was born on August 17, 1933, in Marshville, North Carolina. After moving to Charlotte with Esther in his twenties and working for Hefner Plumbing, he founded Master Plumbing Company and Master Plumbing Supply. He was also a partner in AGS Corporation, a nursing home property ownership. He was a 32nd degree Mason of 50 years and a member of the Mint Hill Masonic Lodge 742. He was also a member of the Scottish and York Rites, as well as, the Oasis Shrine, where he had opportunity to serve as the President of the Mecklenburg Shrine Club, Temple Trustee, Building Chairman, Captain of the Oasis Shrine Dune Cats, and member of the Royal Order of Jesters.

GT devoted a large portion of his life to charitable work for the benefit of the Crippled and Burned Children’s Hospital and the Oxford Orphanage. For at least 15 years, GT organized and hosted golf tournaments and dirt track races, generating millions of dollars for the Shiner’s Hospital. He was a two time recipient of the highest award awarded to Shriners, the Walt Disney Award, for his dedication to the Shiners’ Crippled and Burned Children’s Hospital.

In GT’s spare time, he was an avid golfer and an accomplished billiards player. He enjoyed spending time with Esther at their mountain house, golfing with his friends, and hosting large cook-outs for his family. His tenderness and generosity will be missed by all who knew him.

In honor of his charitable spirit, in lieu of flowers, donations to the Oxford Orphanage and St. Jude’s Hospital would be greatly appreciated.

Visitation will be held Friday, January 3, 2014, from 6:00PM to 9:00PM, at McEwen Funeral Service-Mint Hill Chapel in Mint Hill, North Carolina, and a service will be held at the same location on Saturday, January 4, at 1:00PM, followed by full Masonic graveside service at Marshville Cemetery, Marshville, North Carolina.

Condolences may be offered at www.mcewenminthillchapel.com.