Overview
- Southwest DeKalb confirmed Godfrey’s death in a school social-media post and his daughter confirmed it to local television, with local outlets reporting the news and the community offering public tributes.
- Godfrey led Southwest DeKalb’s football program from 1983 to 2012, compiling a reported 273-89-1 record and guiding the team to 27 playoff appearances.
- Under his leadership the Panthers won multiple state titles, including the 1995 GHSA AAAA championship, and became a lasting competitive presence in Georgia high school football.
- He was inducted into several halls of fame and had the school’s stadium renamed William “Buck” Godfrey Stadium, reflecting long-term institutional recognition of his work.
- Beyond wins, Godfrey worked as a teacher and mentor who helped roughly 300 students earn college scholarships, and funeral arrangements have not yet been announced as the community plans memorials.