Harlin "JR" Godfrey

Harlin “JR” Godfrey (11/9/1932-8/27/2025)

JR Godfrey, 92, beloved husband, father, and grandfather passed away peacefully surrounded by family on August 27th, 2025.

JR was born in Clinton, Arkansas in 1932 to Clifton and Ahleen Godfrey. They moved shortly after and he was raised in Dexter, Missouri. He spent his time helping on the farm, playing baseball and football, and being an all around jokester. He graduated from Dexter High School in 1950. He attended college briefly, playing football, before enlisting in the United States Air Force and serving during the Korean war. He was stationed in Japan when he played his first round of golf, which would become a large part of his life.

JR met the love of his life, Marylee, in 1956 in Butte City, California. The two were married April 27th, 1957 in Reno, Nevada and they made their home in Willows, California. JR and Marylee couldn’t wait to start a family of their own, and their sons, Gary and Sam, as well as grandchildren and great-grandchildren, have meant the world to them.

In 1981, JR and his family moved to Vernal, UT for his career in the oilfield. In 1986, he purchased Rocky Mountain Lube in Vernal and it became a family business for over 30 years.

After retiring, JR and Marylee spent their winters in Casa Grande, Arizona where he met lifelong friends and he could continue to enjoy playing golf. JR loved spending time with people and he made friends everywhere he went.

JR will always be remembered for his storytelling and the way that he would share with anyone that would listen. We will always miss his stories and the way that he would laugh and light up a room. He will also be remembered for his love of golf. He spent countless hours at the golf course making friends and taking their money.

We could not have asked for a better husband, father, grandfather, great-grandfather, and friend. He will be missed dearly and his memories will be carried on in our hearts.

JR is survived by his wife, Marylee Godfrey; children, Gary (Allyson) Godfrey and Sam (Melissa) Godfrey; as well as grandchildren and great-grandchildren.

JR is preceded in death by his parents, Clifton and Ahleen Godfrey; siblings: Delores Williams and Carl Godfrey, and many other loved ones and family members.

In honor of his wishes, a private family service was held on August 30th, 2025 and JR was laid to rest in the Vernal Memorial Park.