David Fike Godfrey

David Fike Godfrey, a proud son of Spur, Texas, devoted husband, father of four, rancher, attorney, public servant, and lifelong Baptist, passed away peacefully on February 18, 2026, after a courageous battle with cancer. He was 76 years old.

David was born on December 10, 1949, in Spur, Texas, to James Fike Godfrey and Naomi Sweeney Godfrey. He grew up loving the family ranch, the family Ford dealership, and causing plenty of ruckus around Spur. He graduated as valedictorian of his high school class and played football for the Spur Bulldogs, where he injured his knee—an injury he talked about with pride for the rest of his life. His childhood stories were among his favorites to tell, and in his later years, he often reflected on those early memories that shaped him and brought him lasting joy.

He earned both his undergraduate and law degrees from Texas Tech University, supporting himself through college by working at the Texas Tech Ag Farm and the Pitchfork Ranch.

After college, David moved to Midland to work in the trust department at First National Bank of Midland. He also served on the Midland City Council, where he often said people were more concerned about potholes than any real issue. In 1980, after years of his mother's prayers, he finally settled down with the love of his life, Roxie Vineyard. They married in 1981 at Horseshoe Bay, Texas, and were soon blessed with four children.

David caught the political bug in Midland. He went on to work for President Reagan as Regional General Services Administrator (GSA) in Fort Worth, later moving to Washington, D.C., where he served as Chief of Staff and then Deputy Administrator of GSA. His favorite line during his Washington years was, “Don’t just rock the boat—turn the whole damn thing over.”

Like many Washington transplants, David and Roxie initially planned to stay only two years before returning home to Texas. But God had other plans. After leaving government service, David opened his own law practice in Washington, where they would live for the next 30 years. He was especially gratified by his work with Keating Construction in Philadelphia, PA and the United States Postal Service, helping create stronger real estate opportunities for post offices across the country. He also took particular delight in working on a construction project at the Philadelphia Eagles’ stadium, frequently reminding people that it was the first stadium with a courtroom and jail—“for all of those terrible unruly Eagles fans.”

Upon his father’s retirement, David assumed management of the Godfrey Ranch, where he pursued his true passion: raising cattle and horses. He was never happier than when he was admiring the red mud and wildflowers, riding a horse and working cattle, or simply driving the ranch roads to “look at things.” The land truly brought him peace.

As a father, David devoted himself fully to his children’s sports and music activities. He was always willing to drive carpools across Washington D.C. and up and down the East Coast for basketball, swimming, soccer, football, lacrosse, and countless practices and competitions. He coached from the sidelines with enthusiasm, and to this day, his children can still hear his commentary ringing in their ears.

A lifelong Baptist, David served faithfully in every church he attended. He humbly served as chairman of the deacons at Plymouth Haven Baptist Church in Alexandria, VA for many years. In retirement, he led mission trips to the Czech Republic and Slovakia and supported church-planting efforts worldwide. His faith inspired hundreds. He lived out his testimony daily, marked by optimism, a deep love for Scripture, and unwavering belief in the saving grace of Jesus Christ and the power of his Heavenly Father.

In 2016, David was diagnosed with esophageal cancer. He faced the diagnosis with remarkable strength and without complaint, refusing to be defined by statistics. After winning his fight, a heart attack in 2023 led to the early discovery of pancreatic cancer. He often said that God extended his life through that heart attack. True to form, he fought boldly and faithfully, never losing his humor or his hope.

After returning to Texas during his final years, David and Roxie embraced their love of Texas Tech athletics, attending as many football and basketball games as possible. He arrived early for warmups, read the recaps and statistics afterwards, and evaluated everything. His lifelong devotion to the Dallas Cowboys waned in later years, as his frustration with Jerry Jones’ management grew—a shift he did not hesitate to discuss. Thankfully, the Chiefs and Patrick Mahomes were there to cheer for instead.

David’s passion for life was infectious. He always had a pep talk ready, a solution to offer, and encouragement to give. Even in his final days, he focused more on others' well-being than on his own. He loved his wife, his family, the mountains of Montana, the rolling plains of Texas, his cats, —especially his faithful companions Ghost and Ghost 2—and above all, Jesus Christ.

He was preceded in death by his parents, his in-laws, and beloved aunt and uncles.

He is survived by his wife of 44 years, Roxie Godfrey; his children, Georgia Godfrey of Loretto, Tennessee; Clint Godfrey (Kim, grandsons James & Charles) of San Antonio, Texas; Jill Godfrey of San Antonio, Texas; and Clay Godfrey (Caitlin, granddaughters Quinn & Parker) of Troy, Michigan; his sister, Jan Pierpont, his nieces, and nephew; and countless friends, colleagues, and church family whose lives he impacted.

He never just rocked the boat — he turned the whole thing over. And he trusted God to steady the waters.

A visitation, celebration of life and lunch will be held on Tuesday, February 24, from 12:00 p.m. – 2:00 p.m. at Spur Baptist Church, followed by a private family graveside service at the Godfrey Ranch Family Cemetery, overlooking the land and life he so dearly loved.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations be made to pancreatic cancer research at MD Anderson Cancer Center in Houston.