Matthew “Wade” Godfrey
8/4/2022
Matthew “Wade” Godfrey, age 52, died unexpectedly at home on August 04, 2022 in DeLand Florida. Wade was born on June 10, 1970 to Benny and JoAnn (Kersey) Godfrey at Glendale Hospital in Palatka, Florida and was a fifth generation Florida native. Following his birth, his parents brought him back to DeLand to the delight of his brother and sisters.
At a young age, Wade was artistic and spent hours skateboarding, riding bikes and building bike ramps. Wade attended area schools, including DeLand High School, and had many friends from childhood.
On April 03, 1999, Wade married Janice Marie Abbott at the home of her parents, Harry and Bernice Abbott, in Daytona Beach, Florida. The following year, the couple welcomed their son Matthew to the family. The Godfrey Family always included their beloved dachshunds Buzz, Elizabeth, Isabella, Jasmine and Daisy. Wade had many interests including riding motorcycles with his son and taking family boat trips to Silver Glen Springs. He loved getting together with his extended family and was an excellent cook. Thanksgiving was his favorite holiday and his fried turkey was a crowd favorite for over 15 years. Wade and Jan hosted multiple pool parties at their home for family and friends with plenty of great food, music, and good conversation. One of Wade’s greatest gifts was his genuine and personable manner that helped him to make true friends. He had a wickedly funny sense of humor and was quick to laugh, putting people at ease. Wade also had remarkable insight and a practical wisdom about many subjects. He also had an incredible talent for fixing things. Wade and Jan were blessed with wonderful neighbors and friends, including Chuck and Sally who joined them on Caribbean cruises and trips to the mountains. Since 2010, Wade was employed at Volusia Rental & Equipment starting in the DeLand location and later at the store in DeBary.
Wade was preceded in death by his father, Benny B. Godfrey, brother Michael “Duane” Godfrey
and sister Lisa Faith Goodroe. His survivors include his wife Janice, son Matthew Wade Godfrey, II along with his mother JoAnn Godfrey of DeLand, sister-in-law Pam Godfrey of Orange City and
sisters Lori Suellau (David) of Palm Harbor and Kathi Godfrey of Alachua.