Samuel Ray Godby

Samuel Ray Godby 88, of Somerset, passed away on Monday, September 13, 2021, at University of Kentucky Medical Center. He was born December 24, 1932, in Norwood, KY, to the late Samuel Ramey and Anna Belle Butt Godby.

 

He is survived by his wife of 18 years, Marilyn Jane Godby, two daughters, Debbie Rogers (John) and Donna Ray (Mickey), both of Somerset. Affectionately known as “Ten Dollar”, Ray is survived by Ben Rogers (Heather) of Winston Salem, NC, Samantha Richardson (Jared) of Somerset, Lauren New (Kenneth) of Lexington, Michael Ray (Tara) of Somerset, Miranda Denney (Brian) of Campbellsville, and Lucas Hamilton (Caroline) of Knoxville, TN. He is survived by seven great-grandchildren - Jaxson, Izzy Jo and Hogan Ray of Somerset; Hadley Belle Rogers of Winston Salem, NC; Will and Olivia Richardson of Somerset, and Charlotte Anne New of Lexington. Ray is also survived by four siblings -- Kathryn Dungan of Nashville, TN; Louise Butt of Eubank; Lois Hamm of Danville; and Coy Godby of Somerset. He also leaves behind numerous nieces and nephews, close friends, coworkers and special church friends. Also surviving are stepdaughter, Tammy Sewell (Russell) of Corbin, KY; two step-grandsons, Clayton Sewell (Tia) of Lexington, KY, and Corey Sewell (Kirby) of Andalusia, AL, and two step great granddaughters Sawyer and Madison, and one step great grandson Maverick.

 

In addition to his parents, Ray was preceded in death by his wife, Barbara “Joann” Linkes Godby; daughter Julie Ann Godby Hamilton, M.A., Lee, Joe and Ned Godby and Geneva Godby Randall.

 

He was a lifelong, faithful member of the Science Hill United Methodist Church, serving as a Board Member, singing in the choir and several quartets with his deep bass voice.

 

Samuel Ray worked for over 27 years as a livestock auctioneer with the majority of those years spent at Bourbon Stockyards in Louisville, KY. He left the livestock auction business in 1974 and opened his real estate business in Somerset, working with Gene Dunnington of Monticello. He built a most successful business selling everything from residential properties, business properties, family farms, and personal property consisting of all manner of box lots full of treasures. He was the founder of the Lake Cumberland Auctioneering School, and a 60 year member of the Kentucky Board of Auctioneers, past President of the Kentucky Auctioneers Association and was selected to the KAA Hall of Fame. He was a member of the Lake Cumberland Board of Realtors and received the Lifetime Achievement Award in 2016.

 

Samuel Ray loved a good auction and conducted thousands of auctions in Pulaski and surrounding counties. His smooth, clear chant kept auction bidders on their toes. He was a proud Gideon serving for over 50 years speaking in churches and spreading the word of God.

 

A graduate of Science Hill High School, he was known to most around Pulaski County as Ten Dollar (a name given to him by his first grandchild). He was an avid Somerset Briar Jumper, Cincinnati Red, and Kentucky Wildcat fan. His other passion was singing. As one of his grandchildren once said, “Ten Dollar could sing about simply passing the salt across the table.” He was also the King of corny jokes, and loved nothing better than to tell you one, or to try and pull a prank on you. He also considered himself a stock market guru and would be interested in any “penny stock” that he would read about.

 

One of the things he enjoyed most in life was family reunions and getting together with his love ones, retelling old stories, reminiscing with his brothers and sisters, nieces and nephews, eating pecan pie and of course usually ending with a sing-a-long.

 

In his last years, Ten Dollar loved sitting on his front porch in his rocker. He would always wave to every single car that passed by, and he read his Bible there every day. He especially loved to quote 3 Samuel to his family and friends. He will be forever loved and missed by those who knew him.

 

In lieu of flowers, the family requests that monetary donations be made to the Gideons International at P.O. Box 540, Somerset, KY 42502.

 

Visitation for Ten Dollar will be held on Friday, September 17 at the Science Hill United Methodist Church from 4 to 8 PM. Funeral services will also be held at the church on Saturday, September 18 at 11:00 AM.

 

Morris & Hislope Funeral Home is honored to assist the family with arrangements.