Vernon Smith Godby

Vernon Smith Godby, age 86, of Somerset, Kentucky, passed away on Thursday, March 12, 2026, at Hospice of Lake Cumberland Jean Waddle Care Center. Born on May 6, 1939, in Beech Grove, Kentucky, to the late Lewis Godby and Dorothy Acton Godby, Vernon was a longtime member of Pleasant Hill Baptist Church. He devoted more than fifty years to construction work as a member of the Laborers’ Union, but found his greatest joy in fishing and, above all, in spending time with his family.

He is survived by his loving wife of 62 years, Brenda Wesley Godby; one son, Gary Wayne (Pamela) Godby; three grandchildren, Jaime (Robbie) Ridner, Joshua (Alisha) Godby, and Bethany (JD) Heck; nine great-grandchildren, Makayla (Aiden), Daniel, and Samantha Ridner, Julius, Lilly, Olivia, and Damian Godby, Elias and Eleanor Heck; one great-great-granddaughter, Willow Childers; one brother, Howard Godby; one sister, Dorothy Mae (Leon) Wilson; one sister-in-law, Helen Godby; and many nieces, nephews, and other dear family members who will miss him deeply.

In addition to his parents, Vernon was preceded in death by one son, Randy Godby; one granddaughter, Sarah Godby; one brother, Herbert Ed Godby; and one sister-in-law, Mary Godby.