Raymond L. Godman's Obituary
Raymond L. Godman, 89, passed away on January 1, 2018. He is survived by his wife, Jane, two daughters, Allison Ricketts (Greg) and Ginger Whitworth (Rick); six grandchildren (Jason Whitworth, Tori Ashton, Stephen Godman, Stephanie Werner, Christopher Ricketts and Ashleigh Ricketts); six great grandchildren; and nephew Cecil A. Godman III (Summer). He was preceded in death by his parents, Cecil and Hazel Godman, son Philip Godman, and brother Cecil A. Godman Jr. Raymond graduated from Tech High School in 1949 and entered the United States Marine Corps in 1950. He was honorably discharged with a Purple Heart, Korean Service Medal with one star and a United Nations Service Medal. He was a successful businessman, opening and operating the Raymond Godman Insurance Agency for many years and later Godman Hi-Performance. An avid hot rod and race car enthusiast, Raymond was a charter member of the Memphis Rodders Club and later turned this hobby into a prestigious National Hot Rod Association (NHRA) career as owner and operator of the world famous Tennessee Bo Weevil. He opened the Lakeland International Raceway in July 1960 and raced on the NHRA circuit until 1979. One of his crowning accomplishments was winning the US Nationals. As a result of his NHRA success, Raymond was inducted in the inaugural class of the International Drag Racing Hall of Fame in 1991. In addition to his business and racing endeavors, Raymond served as President and member of the East Memphis Exchange Club for over 40 years. He was also a member of the Highland Hundred and long time supporter (50+ years) of the University of Memphis football and basketball programs. A faithful believer of his Lord and Savior Jesus Christ, Raymond was a deacon and lifetime member of Union Avenue Baptist Church. A memorial service will be held at 11:00 a.m. Thursday, January 4 at Memorial Park. The family request that memorials be made to Union Ave. Baptist Church.
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