Master Sergeant Steven Wayne Godby U.S. Army (Ret.), age 63, of Navarre, FL, passed away unexpectedly on Wednesday, March 25, 2026.

Steve was born in 1962 to the late James Louie and Margaret Irene Lupfer Godby in Gary, IN. Steve was a loving and devoted husband, father, and brother who was strongly rooted in his Christian faith. He was born again as a teenager, surrendering his heart and life to Jesus Christ, and was baptized in the Atlantic Ocean. He was a member of Olive Baptist Church, serving in the children’s ministry for several years.

Steve had a strong love for God, family, and country. He was a true patriot who served his country for more than 45 years, retiring from the U.S. Army. From a very young age, Steve knew he wanted to be a soldier. He first spent 3 ½ years in the Florida National Guard with his father and brothers and then 25 years active duty in the U.S. Army, serving in units such as the 1st Ranger Battalion, 10th Special Forces Group (Airborne), and the White House Communications Agency, in locations all over the United States and in Germany and Azerbaijan. Steve worked at the White House for 8 years – notably serving a critical role during 9/11. After his distinguished military career, Steve continued to serve his country for 17 years as a government contractor and then a civilian with the United States Air Force 11th Special Operations Intelligence Squadron, including two tours in Afghanistan.

He earned many U.S. Military Awards: 2 Defense Meritorious Service Medals, 3 Army Commendation Medals, Joint Service Achievement Medal, 3 Army Achievement Medals, 4 Joint Meritorious Unit Awards, 2 Army Superior Unit Awards, 8 Army Good Conduct Medals, Army of Occupation Medal (Berlin), 2 National Defense Service Medals, Armed Forces Service Medal, NATO Medal (former Yugoslavia), Global War on Terrorism Service Medal, Presidential Service Badge, Expert Field Medical Badge, and US Army Parachutist Badge.

Steve was devoted to his wife of almost 40 years; together they traveled the world, visiting 36 countries. To say he adored his daughters is an understatement; he would do absolutely anything for them, from traveling to Australia with one of his girls to taking the other to her first day working on a movie set.

Steve had many hobbies and interests, including Ham Radio and serving on the Community Emergency Response Team (CERT). He also enjoyed axe throwing, skydiving, scuba diving, cooking for his family and friends, studying history, speaking foreign languages (Russian, Croatian, Serbian, German, and Arabic), participating in Scottish Highland Games, and growing pineapples and ferns.

Those left to cherish his memory include his loving wife, Marygail; two daughters, Sutherland and Vaughan; three brothers, David, Anthony “Buddy” (Barbara), and Alan; two sisters, Darlene (Chad) and Suzy; and extended family, including his 97-year-old mother-in-law, Mildred, and uncle, Donny (Brenda).

Visitation will be held from 11:30 a.m. until the Funeral Service begins at 12:30 p.m. on Wednesday, April 1, 2026, at Harper-Morris Memorial Chapel with Rev. Tim Hunter serving as officiant.

A committal service will follow at Barrancas National Cemetery, NAS Pensacola, with military honors being accorded by the US Army.