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ACU Remembers: John Ray Godfrey

John Ray Godfrey headshotSharp-shooting guard John Ray Godfrey (’68), one of the greatest all-around men’s basketball players in Abilene Christian University history, died Nov. 17, 2024, at age 80.

Visitation is planned for 5:30 p.m., Nov. 18, and a funeral service at 2 p.m., Nov. 19, both at Peacock (Texas) First Baptist Church. Burial will follow in Aspermont (Texas) Cemetery.

Godfrey was born Sept. 21, 1944, near Aspermont, Texas; married high school classmate Barbara Smith in 1962; and graduated from ACU with a B.S.Ed. degree in history education in 1968 and an M.Ed. degree in 1977 from Sul Ross State University.

He grew up on farms in Swenson and Peacock, Texas, and led nearby Aspermont High School basketball teams to state tournament berths in 1961 and 1962. In 1962 he tied the state’s Conference B single-game playoff scoring record of 43 points, and set the three-game mark of 93 points.

John Ray Godfrey carried off the court by teammates and fans at Abilene Christian
Fans carried Godfrey off the court Feb. 27, 1968, after he led the Wildcats to an overtime win and a conference championship.

Godfrey still ranks 11th in Wildcat history in career scoring, finishing with 1,467 points (1964-68). He is eighth in single-season scoring (571 points in 1967-68) and tied for second for most field goals scored in a game (17 on Feb. 2, 1968).

Moody Coliseum’s opening game versus Arkansas State on Feb. 27, 1968, was also billed as John Ray Godfrey Night in honor of the last home game of his brilliant years at ACU. He rose to the occasion in the 96-93 overtime win. His 41 points that night – the second time to reach that mark in two seasons – stood as an ACU men’s arena record for 23 years.

“John Ray was a phenomenal basketball player, and he still would be today. If all ACU players were available, and I got first pick while choosing sides for a game, I would without hesitation pick No. 14. He was a gifted basketball player with track and field speed; in fact, he originally came to ACU for track and field, then he competed as a senior in track after his basketball collegiate career ended,” said Garner Roberts (’70), former Wildcat longtime sports information director and a member of ACU’s Sports Hall of Fame.

John Ray Godfrey on Abilene Christian basketball team 1962
Godfrey led his team to the NCAA Tournament in 1966.

“He was equally effective as a teacher, coach, principal and superintendent. In today’s terminology, he’s a GOAT,” Roberts said. “One of my prized possessions is a program from that first game in Moody, autographed by John Ray after he scored 41 points to lead the Wildcats to the Southland Conference championship – ACU’s third in four years. He was carried off the court that night on the shoulders of celebrating students in a jam-packed coliseum. When was the last time you saw that at an ACU game?”

Godfrey led the Wildcats of head coach Dee Nutt (’50) to the NCAA College Division national tournament his sophomore year (1965-66), where they lost to a University of North Dakota team on which future NBA coaching icon Phil Jackson played.

He was named league MVP in 1967-78 after averaging 23.8 points per game, and three times was an All-Southland unanimous selection. He was the first ACU men’s basketball player to be named first-team All-American from Associated Press. He also earned All-American recognition from United Press International and the U.S. Basketball Coaches Association.

John Ray Godfrey signing ACU Centennial Book copies
Godfrey signed copies of “The ACU Century” book during the university’s Centennial in 2006.

In 1968 following his senior season, Godfrey was selected in the 14th round of the NBA Draft by the Los Angeles Lakers and the third round of the ABA Draft by the Houston Mavericks. He was one of 48 collegians invited to the U.S. Olympic team trials, including Houston forward-center Elvin Hayes, LSU guard Pete Maravich, Kansas guard Jo Jo White, Louisville forward-center Wes Unseld and Niagara guard Calvin Murphy.

“He was an exceptional all-around player,” said Tommy Morris (’55), a former Wildcat basketball standout and member of ACU’s Sports Hall of Fame. “He was a prolific scorer who could drive to the basket, shoot, dribble behind his back, play defense – a Pete Maravich type of player for us.”

Godfrey was inducted in 1989 to the ACU Sports Hall of Fame and in 2011 to the Big Country Athletic Hall of Fame. He wore jersey numbers 14 at home and 15 on the road, but his 14 is the only men’s basketball number to be retired by Abilene Christian (2018).

John Ray Godfrey stand with his family with his framed jersey in the background
Godfrey and his family at the 2018 ceremony retiring his No. 14 jersey at ACU.

His career of more than 35 years in West Texas public schools included roles as a high school teacher and administrator.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Olin Godfrey and Ina Mae Godfrey; his daughter, Kelly Godfrey Jeffrey; a sister, Jimmy Dale Godfrey Teel; and a brother, Syl “Buddy” Godfrey. Among survivors are Barbara, his wife of 62 years; a son, Kirby Godfrey; nine grandchildren; and six great-grandchildren.

— Ron Hadfield
Nov. 18, 2024

 
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