William Lance Godfrey of Charleston, Arkansas, passed away on Wednesday, February 11, 2026, at Vanderbilt University Medical Center in Nashville, Tennessee, leaving behind a legacy of love and memories that will be cherished by all who knew him. He was born on June 15, 1964, in Wichita, Kansas, to Larry Joe Godfrey, Sr. and Elizabeth Ann (Niven) Godfrey.

It is with great sorrow that we announce the passing of Lance. He was loved by many and loved many in return. He was incredibly funny and always quick with a joke, never missing an opportunity to make someone laugh. He would often ride his unicycle while juggling just to put a smile on someone’s face. Growing up, he had a natural talent for sports and excelled at anything he chose to play.

Lance loved taking his boat to Lake Tenkiller with friends and family, where he enjoyed water skiing, tubing, and, every now and then, doing a backflip off the boat. He enjoyed watching drag racing and especially loved watching John Force race. He had a lifelong love of music and enjoyed playing his drums whenever he could. Above all, he loved his mother’s cooking. You could often hear him talking about her amazing strawberry jelly and the many other delicious dishes she made.

Lance was a graduate of Southside High School, class of 1982. He attended Arkansas Tech University after high school. He worked in construction and had a remarkable ability to make something out of nothing. He was the owner/operator of Overhead Garage Door in Russellville, Arkansas for several years. Lance was cherished and will be missed more with each passing day by his family and friends. He made everyone feel special and loved through his kind words, thoughtful gestures, and gentle nature. We pray for his peace and healing in the presence of our Lord and Savior. We will celebrate his life every day, and he will live on forever in our hearts.

He was preceded in death by his paternal grandparents, Thurman and Ruth Godfrey; his maternal grandparents, William and Jackie Niven; and his beloved mother, Liz Godfrey.

He is survived by his father, Larry Godfrey Sr. of Charleston, Arkansas; his brother, Larry Godfrey Jr. of Charleston, Arkansas; his daughter, Beth Godfrey of Fort Smith, Arkansas; his son, Bridges (Amber) Godfrey, and his grandson, Everett Godfrey, all of Farmington, Arkansas.

Cremation arrangements are under the direction of Brotherton Brothers Funeral Home and Flower Shop in Charleston.

To place an online tribute, please visit www.brothertonbrothersfuneralhomes.com.