Buck Godwin

   Adolphus Pilston “Buck” Godwin, III, of Newton Grove, NC, passed away unexpectedly on Thursday, December 24, 2015 in his home with his wife by his side.

   Born in Gates County on December 18, 1942, he was the son of the late Judge A. Pilston Godwin, Jr. and Mildred Vann Godwin.

   Buck's career in law enforcement spanned nearly his entire life until his retirement in 2007 from Sampson Community College as a Criminal Justice Instructor and Basic Law Enforcement Trainer. He started his interest with law enforcement having graduated from Fork Union Military Academy and serving a short period of time with the U.S. Marine Corps before being honorably discharged in 1966.

   Buck attended Atlantic Christian College in Wilson, NC where he graduated in 1966 with a Bachelor of Arts degree. During his college years in Wilson, he was a member of the Sigma Pi Fraternity where his Pi brothers appropriately gave him the nickname "Sonny" for which he is still known by today. Later, attending Nova University in Fort Lauderdale, FL, Buck obtained his Master of Science degree in Criminal Justice in 1982.

   Buck had many interests in life but his favorite was traveling with his wife to Daytona for the many motorcycling events they participated in and to enjoy the company of the hundreds of friends they made along the way. He and his wife also enjoyed the past few years being at Carolina Beach where even more wonderful and special friendships were made.

   He was a member of The Fraternal Order of Eagles, The Patriot Guard Motorcycle Group, The Boss Hoss Riders Association and the V8 Motorcycle groups.

   Buck leaves behind his wife that he cherished for over 29 years, Susan Smith Godwin; his sister Gretchen McNair and husband Vann of Chevy Chase, MD; two daughters, Jennifer Wyer of Houston, TX and Susan Tacket of Lexington, KY; and three grandchildren.

   A graveside service will be held Saturday, January 9th, 2016 at 2:00 p.m. on the family plot in Gatesville Cemetery, Gatesville, NC. Miller Funeral Home, 304 Main Street, Gatesville, is assisting the family with arrangements.

   Online condolences may be made by visiting www.millerfhc.com.