Joseph Vernon Godfrey, III

Joseph Vernon Godfrey, III,  69 years of age, and a resident of Amherst , passed away Sunday, May 30, 2021 following a lengthy illness.

He was born January 6, 1952, in Amherst, graduating from Marion L. Steele High School with the class of 1970. Joe graduated from Ashland College where he played football and received a degree in business with a marketing major.

He was a member of  Congregational United Church of Christ in Amherst.  Joe loved people and found sales to be his area of expertise throughout his life. He, along with his wife Charlene, started Godfrey Development Corporation. Joe and Char developed Apple Orchard Estates in Amherst.  Throughout his life Joe enjoyed golf, boating, and was an avid Cleveland Sports fan, especially the Cleveland Browns. Joe had a spirit of service and love for all,  as well as an infectious personality. If you were fortunate to have met him, you would have adored him immediately, and realized that upon meeting him you did not go from stranger to friend in his eyes, but rather from stanger to family.  Joe will be remembered for the twinkle in his eye, his boisterous laugh and willingness to tell a joke.

Survivors include his high school sweetheart, Charlene “Char” (nee: Discenzo); his children Jennifer Keilman (Ken) of Lakewood, Ill., and Joy Godfrey (Kody Sloan) of Chester VA.; grandchildren Abi Keilman, Cameron Keilman, Marley Sloan and Kingston Sloan.

He  was preceded in death by his parents Joseph V. Godfrey and Cora “Corky” Godfrey (nee Miller); as well as by his brother Gregory Godfrey.

Public visitation for family and friends will be held on Thursday, June 3, 2021 from 4:00 - 7:00 p.m.  at Hempel Funeral Home, Amherst. Funeral Services will be held  Friday, June 4, 2021 at 11 a.m. at the funeral home.   Rebroadcasting of services will be available at http://www.hempelfuneralhome.com/ .  Burial will take place at Ridge Hill Memorial Park, Amherst, Ohio.

Please visit the funeral home's website to share a memory and sign the guest register, www.hempelfuneralhome.com.

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