Albert "Bud" Godbey passed away peacefully on the afternoon of April 10, 2024, surrounded by his four sons: Mark, Matthew, Luke and John. Bud was the adoring husband of the late Carolyn Godbey (nee Pratt). They shared over 60 years of devoted love. Proud father of Mark Godbey (Jan), Matthew Godbey (Diana), Luke Godbey and John Godbey. Doting grandfather of Ellen Godbey, Grant Godbey, Ryan Godbey, Daniel Godbey, and Jess Stricklin. Loving brother, uncle, great-grandfather, and friend to many.

A Cincinnati native, Bud was the oldest of 10 children. After graduating from Central High School in 1955, he joined the U.S. Navy - proudly serving (1955-1959) aboard the USS Wadleigh. Soon after his Honorable Discharge from the Navy, Bud met the love of his life Carolyn Pratt. They married July 21,1962 at St. Mary's Catholic Church in Hyde Park.

Bud was employed by BASF (previously Interchemical  then Inmont) from 1960 until the plant's explosion in 1990. He then worked in Fernald, OH as part of the clean-up crew for the U.S. Dept of Energy. Upon his retirement in 2001, he worked for another 9 years as a clerk for Godbey Law. He was a true ambassador for Godbey Law.

Bud was an avid fan of all Cincinnati Sports teams, including the Reds, Bengals, FCC, UC Bearcats, Xavier Musketeers, and especially the Elder Panthers.  He was also an active participant in sports, bowling, baseball in the Tri-State league, and played on many softball teams into his early 60's. For many years, Bud coached all four of his sons and many other young men in baseball, basketball and soccer.

Bud was also very active in his home parishes of Our Lady of Grace and Holy Family, He was a member of the Men's Society, served as usher at masses, volunteered at church festivals, and served on the athletic association board. Bud founded the OLG-HF Oldtimers team in 1977 and headed the effort to install a new field at Our Lady of Grace.

Family was most important. Bud worked many overtime hours at the chemical plant to ensure his four sons received a good education. With Carolyn's help, he published a quarterly family newsletter to keep the large Godbey clan in close contact with each other. He never missed a picnic, birthday, wedding, or family celebration.

Bud had a kind heart. He grew vegetables and shared the harvest with family and friends. He kept an eye on aging neighbors and drove elderly parishioners to church. Baking cakes and giving flowers, Bud spread joy wherever he went. His upbeat, positive outlook will be missed.

A visitation will be held at Frederick Funeral Home, 2553 Banning Road on Tuesday, April 16, 2024, at 5:00 pm - 8:00 pm.  Mass of Christian Burial will be held at Holy Family Church on Weds, April 17, 2024 at 10:00 am, followed by a brief graveside service at New St. Joseph cemetery. Immediately thereafter, there will be a gathering for food and drinks at The Farm on Anderson Ferry Road, where friends and family can share memories of Bud.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Elder High School . Special condolences may be expressed at frederickfh.com