Malcom "Earl" Godwin

Malcom “Earl” Godwin, 85, of Elon, NC, passed away on January 14, 2026, at his home following several months of declining health. Earl was born on August 23, 1940, in Lakeport, Florida, to the late Cuthbert Osbon and Elsie Eloise Roberson Godwin. He was the devoted husband of Mary Clapp Godwin for 34 years.

Growing up in and around Okeechobee, Earl spent his youth hunting “gators,” snakes, and birds, and spent countless hours fishing. In those days, these skills were a way of life and essential to a family’s survival. He loved sharing stories of these formative years throughout his life. At a young age, with his mother’s consent, Earl enlisted in the United States Navy. He served with distinction as an engineer aboard the USS Waldo County (LST-1163), a role that allowed him to travel the world. Upon leaving the Navy, Earl settled into HVAC work with Alamance Oil. He later partnered with Jimmy Hayes to establish Alamance Heating and Air, a business they built together from the ground up.

Earl is survived by his wife, Mary Clapp Godwin; his sons, Richard Godwin and Rodger Jason Godwin (Amy); and his grandchildren, Rodger Lee Godwin (Megan), John Malcom Godwin, Chase Godwin,  Allison Godwin and Dylan Godwin. He also leaves behind his sisters, Patricia Marilyn “Patsy” Godwin Sepeda, Roseann Godwin, and Oralee G. Bennett; and his brothers, Frank James “Franky” Godwin and Thomas Gerrold “Tom” Godwin. In addition to his parents, Earl was preceded in death by his sons, Malcom Godwin, Jr. and Andrew Correy Clapp, and an infant daughter, Donna Sue Godwin; his brothers, Cuthbert Osbon Godwin, Jr., Arthur “AP” Patton Godwin, Donald Roy Godwin, and James Shadrach Crane; and his sisters, Martha Jean Godwin Swanson and Mary Jeannette Godwin Lowe.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests that memorial donations be made to AuthoraCare Collective (formerly Hospice of Alamance-Caswell), 914 Chapel Hill Rd, Burlington, NC 27215.

Mary would like to thank Earl’s children—Richard, Rodger, and Amy—and sends big hugs to Bonnie and Charles Land and Brandon Flynn. She also extends her gratitude to Hospice of Alamance County; without their persistent help, Earl would not have had such dedicated love and care at home during his final months.

A memorial service at the gravesite will be held at a later date when the weather is warmer, allowing family and friends to gather comfortably to celebrate Earl’s life.