Ernest L Godwin

On June 28, 1984, Karen Godwin gave birth to a precious baby boy in Florence, SC. Karen's oldest sister, Linda Godwin Weaver named the baby Ernest Lyndon Godwin after herself and their tirelessly devoted grandfather, Ernest Brown. When it was time for baby Ernest to go home, he was nestled in a blanket with his Granny and Granddaddy, Alberta Godwin and (the late) Arthur Godwin, who reared him alongside his mother. Over the years, Ernest was given a couple of significant nicknames that encapsulate the essence of who he was – as a baby he was "Good Fine Man," and later in life he was affectionately called "P Funk Godwin" for his love of music, outgoing personality, and high energy. From a young age, his Granny instilled the importance of developing and maintaining a faithful relationship with God, beginning his religious journey at Greater St. James AME, ending it with his membership at Word of God Outreach Ministries, where his uncle, Herbert F. Godwin, is the pastor. Ernest graduated from Lake City High School in 2003, and instantly entered the workforce to provide for his growing family. Ernest was blessed with five beautiful children – Langston Ahmaad Godwin, Lyndon Alexander Godwin, Kennedy Olivia Godwin, Kaydence Aubery Godwin, and Ethan Ernest Godwin. When Ernest transitioned to be with the Lord on July 3, 2023, he was employed at Southeast Express in Timmonsville, SC as a Control Desk Associate where he was loved by all. If Ernest was not working or traveling, you could find him under the tree at his Granny's house listening to music with his sisters (Maiya Godwin and Naiya Godwin), cousins (Farrell Turner, Shandra Weaver, Ronald Turner, Britney R. Weaver, Esq., April Godwin, Andre Weaver and Russell Godwin, Jr.), and childhood friend (Justin Holmes). Ernest's memory will be cherished by his: devoted mother, Karen Godwin; two beloved sisters, Maiya Godwin and Naiya Godwin; two beautiful grandmothers, Alberta Godwin and Edna Gamble; maternal aunts and uncles: Leroy (Shirley) Brown, Jr., Elder Levern McFadden, Al (Jennifer) Hanna, Linda Godwin Weaver, Katie Godwin, Rev. Herbert F. (Doris) Godwin, Arthur Murry (Sherkerry) Godwin, Russell Godwin, Sr.; maternal great-aunts: Irene Graham, Geneva Godwin, Betty Hannah; paternal great-aunt, Roy Lee Barr; his father, Michael Gamble; siblings, Jermaine Ware, Quentin Ware, Christopher Ware, and Nola McCray; paternal uncle, John Henry (Yvette) Gamble, Jr.; special cousins, Mark Goble and LaRue Singletary; bonus aunt, Debra Sanders; and the Hart Lane Wolfpack. Ernest is preceded in death by his maternal grandfather, Arthur Godwin; paternal grandfather, John Henry Gamble; uncle, Farrell Godwin; two special cousins, Marcus Weaver, Sr. and Investigator Farrah Turner.