Eric James Godfrey

Eric James Godfrey, 16, of Braselton, died Sunday, March 16, 2008, as a result of a fatal automobile accident caused by a wrong way drunk driver in Cobb County.

He was born September 2, 1991, in Woodbridge, Va., the son of Clare Godfrey of Braselton and the late Rod Godfrey, who was also killed in the accident. In 1993 he moved to Georgia with his family. He was a sophomore at JCCHS, was a member of the Beta Club, the marching band, and the Sr. Wind Ensemble. He was also a member of the Jazz I Band. For the last three years, he was chosen to participate in the Georgia Allstate Band, held in Savannah. This year he made 1st chair on all three horns: alto, tenor and bari saxophones. He chose to play 1st chair alto sax for the 9th/10th Grade Allstate Concert Band. For his age group, he was the best saxophone player on all three horns in the State of Georgia this year. Since sixth grade, Eric participated in the 13th District Honor band each year. In 2007-2008 Eric was chosen to be a member of the Metropolitan Atlanta Youth Wind Ensemble sponsored by GA State University. He played 1st chair tenor sax with Maywe. Maywe is conducted by Dr. Robert Ambrose and is made up of the most talented high school students in the metro Atlanta area. The accident that took Eric’s life happened just after Maywe’s 2nd concert of the 2007-08 season.

In February 2008 Eric participated in the GA State High School Honor Band held at GSU. In November 2007 and November 2006, Eric participated in the GA State Jazz Clinics held at North Georgia College in Dahlonega. Eric studied saxophone privately under the direction of Eddie Jennings Jr., a graduate of JCCHS and UGA.

Beside Eric’s love for music, he also participated with the Jackson County 4-H Club. He was a member of the County Council and the 4-H Archery Team. He also participated each year in the challenge bowl held at GA State Fair in Perry in October.

Eric was an active member of Zion Baptist Church, where he participated in the youth group. He also played in several local churches as a thank you to the Lord for giving him the gift of music, and he enjoyed sharing his gift with other people.
Eric was preceded in death by a paternal grandfather, James Tommy Godfrey; and maternal grandmother, Mary Chase Milton Smith.

Survivors in addition to his mother, include a brother, Jacob D. Godfrey; paternal grandmother, Sylva Talley Godfrey, Blue Ridge; maternal grandfather and spouse, Kirby and Kathryn Milton, Rochester, N.Y.; and several aunts, uncles, and cousins.

A memorial service is planned for Eric and his Dad on Saturday, October 11, at 10 a.m., at Zion Baptist Church in Braselton