D. Hillman Godwin, Jr.

Derwood Hillman Godwin, Jr., 76, went to be with his Lord and Savior Monday night, February 5, 2024, while under the care of his physicians in Chapel Hill, North Carolina.

Hillman was born on May 21, 1947 to the late Derwood and Marie Godwin in Dunn, North Carolina. Also preceding him in death are his son, Trey Godwin; and grandparents O.W. and Hettie Godwin and Edward and Annie Slaughter. 

Left to cherish his memory are his son Taylor Godwin (Keri); granddaughter Erin Godwin; grandsons Taylor and JD Godwin; longtime companion and best friend, Sharlene Williams; brothers Kenny Godwin (Louise) and Dale Godwin; sister Rosalind Hutchens (Terry); brothers-in-law Joe Osborn (Julia) and Allen (Bunny); and sister-in-law, Evelyn; dozens of special nieces and nephews and grandnieces and grandnephews, and an extended network of friends the likes of which may not be rivaled… each of whom loved Hillman maybe as much as he loved each of them.

Hillman proudly served in the U.S. Army Reserves. While residing in Fayetteville, North Carolina, he found professional success owning and operating Doctors Urgent Care Centers, LLC throughout eastern North Carolina; as well as in real estate holdings in the Carolinas.  In the last several years, Hillman was splitting his time between Lake Waccamaw and Wrightsville Beach, North Carolina where he sold boats for United Yacht Sales.

To say Hillman lived his “best life” would be the understatement of all time. Most would say he lived The Best Life.  Hillman was a living, walking good time.  His zest for life and love, music and merriment was and remains infectious.  Hillman never met a stranger, only a new friend.  He loved all his friends like family, and he loved his family more than breath.  Over the years, Hillman shared his Best Life with his friends and family (and anyone they happened to bring along) at Sugar Mountain, at Lake Waccamaw, on the Uncouth (and Uncouth II), at Seapath Towers, on his Harley-Davidson, on the golf course, on a hunt, on a ski trip, in the kitchen, or wherever the good Lord blessed you to be in his company.  His is the sunset that may rival all of those Lake Waccamaw sunsets he pined for. What a beautiful soul. The wake left by his passing will rock us for years to come, but will continually be calmed by the always happy, always fun, always loving memories of the Legend that was Hillman Godwin. 

A funeral service is scheduled for 3:30pm on February 13, 2024, at Snyder Memorial Baptist Church.  Officiating will be Pastor Mark Knight of Epicenter Church in Fayetteville. Visitation will precede the service at 2:00pm in the Gathering Hall of Snyder Baptist.  There will be a private burial.

In lieu of flowers, please consider making a donation to Dorothy Gilmore Adaptive Recreation Center at 1600 Purdue Dr, Fayetteville, NC 28304, or a charity of your choice.

Online condolences may be made at sullivanshighland.com.

Services are entrusted to Sullivan’s Highland Funeral Service & Crematory.