Red Godfrey

David Raymond Red Godfrey, 94, of Safford, Arizona, passed away March 31, 2010 in Safford. Raymond was born January 21, 1916 in Safford to Turner and Emma Jane Talley Godfrey. He lived in the Gila Valley all of his life and enjoyed Mining, fishing, swimming, water skiing, playing guitar and roller skating. Raymond worked as a contractor, miner and inventor. Some of his accomplishments were a rock crusher, pulverizer, and a reverse drill. Raymond, his brother Grant, Winnie Roper and Ruskin Lines sold many mining claims to Phelps Dodge. One of these claims was named Dos Pobres, meaning two poor boys, named after Raymond & Grant. Raymond and his father, Turner, established one of the first building supply companies in Safford named Ace Building & Roofing Company. Raymond also built his own home and several others throughout the Gila Valley. Red is survived by his children Leta Rae (Bryce) Kempton, Geraldine (Perry) Porter, Jeannie (Richard) Griffin, Timalee (Rex) Rich, Rennie Godfrey and 13 Grandchildren. He is preceded in death by his wife Ollie Louise Damron Godfrey, son, David Randall Godfrey, parents, Emma Jane Talley Godfrey and Turner Godfrey, sister, Erlene Godfrey McNair, sister, Letha Godfrey Kennemur, and brother, Grant Godfrey. Funeral services will be conducted Monday, April 5, 2010 at 10 a.m. at the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints 20th Street Chapel with viewing Sunday, April 4, 2010, from 6 until 8 p.m. at the McDougals Caldwell Funeral Chapel and 1 hour prior to funeral services at the church. Interment will be at the Graham Cemetery.