Lawler Godwin

Lawler Burnell Godwin Jr., of Tibbie departed this life peacefully at his home on July 24, 2025. Born on August 30, 1940, in Chatom, Alabama, he was 84. His parents were Lawler Burnell, Sr. and Vieva Leigh Baxter Godwin. Burnell lived a life filled with faith and family.

Burnell was a Deacon and Teacher at Fairhope Baptist Church where he served in every role imaginable. He was a Deacon for 63 years, but his role as Spiritual Leader of his family is most admirable.

Affectionately known as Fuzzy to his family, he was a man of the outdoors whether working on his farm or in the woods hunting. Burnell saw God in the beauty of nature. His dedication and strong work ethic led him to a fulfilling career at Ciba Geigy, where he retired as a foreman in the maintenance department. However, he began his work life with Brown & Root, alongside his Dad (Doc), and purposefully ended his work life with Brown & Root, along his Son (Doc). He was also a skilled craftsman, building various houses, cabinets, furniture and other detailed woodwork, leaving his mark on family and friends houses and ultimately their hearts. He strongly left behind a legacy of diligence and leadership.

Burnell will be lovingly remembered by his devoted wife of 67 years, Shirley Loper Godwin, and his beloved children: son Lawler Burnell III " Doc" (Deanna) Godwin, daughters Pamela (Roger) Carlisle, Perian Petcher, Sheri (Phillip) Bush, and Dell (Mike) Howard. He is survived by his brothers, Kennith (Linda) Godwin and Burlyn (Cathy) Godwin, and sisters DeLois (Roy) Spivey and Deena (Weldon) Wilhite. Burnell's legacy will also continue through his eleven grandchildren and eight great-grandchildren, who were a constant source of joy and pride in his life.

He was preceded in death by his parents and grandsons; Daniel Seth Godwin, Matthew Simon Godwin, and Justin Burnell Godwin.

Graveside services will be at 1 p.m. on Tuesday, July 29, 2025, at Fairhope Baptist Church Cemetery with Kennith Godwin and Bro. Larry Darden officiating. Following the graveside, a Celebration of Life Service will be inside the church at 2 p.m., where family and friends will gather to honor and remember Burnell's vibrant spirit. Afterwords Family and friends are invited to gather in the fellowship hall for 3 o'clock coffee & dessert.

The Pallbearers will include L.B. (Doc) Godwin III, Roger Carlisle, Phillip Bush, Mike Howard, Russell Carlisle, Patrick Carlisle, Christopher Petcher, Nicholas Bush, Braden Godwin, Dravyn Godwin, John Luke Howard, Kyle Smith, James Carlisle, and Reid Carlisle, all of whom are the men in the family to carry on his Legacy.