A memorial service is planned for today at 2 p.m. at (5750 Highway 277 South, Abilene, Texas).

Burton was born April 6, 1957, in Blytheville, Arkansas, one of 12 children in her family. An engineering and enterprise technology consultant, she earned a B.S. degree in chemical engineering from the University of Arkansas (1980), an M.S. in management information systems from��Texas A&M University-Central Texas��(1986), and a doctorate in business administration from Arizona State University (2006).

She began her career as a process control engineer for Phillips Petroleum Company (1980-82); a quality and productivity manager, systems engineer and manager and process engineer for Mobil Chemical Company in Temple, Texas, and a research and systems engineer in Rochester, New York (1982-93).

Burton began teaching in 2000 as an instructor in Ģ����ý’s College of Business Administration, eventually earning joint roles as a professor in the Department of Management Sciences and School of Information Technology. She also served various teaching and research roles in Arizona State’s Department of Information Systems (2001-06) and the graduate faculty in energy management and the Master of Energy Business program at the University of Tulsa (2012-18).

In 2014 she taught COBA students in a summer Study Abroad experience in Oxford, England. She received��the college’s Service Award in 2011 and was named COBA’s Online Teacher of the Year for 2023-24.

“Orneita was an amazing role model and active mentor. She was kind, encouraging, highly conscientious and committed to service,” said former COBA dean and colleague Dr. Brad Crisp (’93). “She played a key role in exposing business students to SAP enterprise systems, which created career opportunities for our information systems majors in particular. She will be greatly missed.”

Burton served as associate editor, special issues editor and on the board of the��Journal of Management, Spirituality and Religion,��and was active in research and publication, and in presentations at professional conferences. She served in several roles for the Academy of Management, and was respected for providing leadership for colleagues��on the topic of faith in business.

She was deeply involved in church and community, serving on the board of Ģ����ý’s Carl Spain Center on Race Studies and Spiritual Action and as a member of numerous other organizations. Burton also was the principal agent for the startup in 1987 of Central Texas Christian School in Temple, Texas, and was involved in the development of Southwest Christian School in Phoenix, Arizona.

Burton was preceded in death by her parents, Rennie Gray and Everlena Gray;��brothers Rennie Gray Jr. and Vernon A. Gray; and a sister, Emma Jean Gray-Banks.

Among survivors are��Dwain Burton Sr. (M.S. ’08), her husband of 39 years; a son,��Jonathan Burton (’13)��and his wife,��Jennifer (Freire ’15) Burton; a son,��Brian Burton (’18); grandchildren��Axel, Kleio Liliana-Beatrice, Myra, Jericho and Mayva; and��brothers William E. Gray, and Michael R. Gray and his wife, Teresa. Survivors also include sisters Evelyn Fisher and her husband, A.J.; Janett Gray Hardaway and her husband, John; Denice Bland and her husband, George; Lisa Hunt and her husband, Kenneth; Treva Gray; and special sister-niece Angela Anderson and her husband, André.

– Ron Hadfield
�� Oct. 13, 2025

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JoLynn Calk Bullock (’59), co-namesake of one of Ģ����ý’s newest residence halls, died June 9, 2025, in Granbury, Texas, at age 87.

She was born July 31, 1937, in Houston, Texas, and grew up in New Iberia, Louisiana. She attended Ģ����ý for one year before marrying Joe Bullock, and they relocated to Houston in 1965.

A few years later they moved to Kingwood, Texas, with several Westbury Church of Christ families to plant another congregation. She formed a personnel agency in 1975 and managed it until 1994, when the Bullocks moved to Granbury to be closer to family. When Joe suffered a significant stroke in 1996, she became his full-time caregiver.

She and Joe are honorary co-namesakes of Bullock Hall, a residence hall for first-year students (2021); Anthony and Bullock Lobby in the Royce and Pam Money Student Recreation and Wellness Center (2011); and the��Joe and JoLynn Bullock Endowed Scholarship.

She was preceded in death by her parents, Ira Dell Calk and Rosina Calk; Joe, her husband of 56 years; and a son,��Joe Bullock (’80).

Among survivors are a son,��Robert Bullock (’81)��and wife��Melanie (Evans ’82); a daughter, Ģ����ý board chair��April (Bullock ’89) Anthony��and husband��Mark (’87); daughter-in-law��Emily Mahon Bullock (’81); seven grandchildren, Tyler Bullock and wife Kimberly,��Brenna (Bullock ’07) Blacklock��and husband��David (’05),��Taren Lowe (’09)��and husband��Patrick (’10), Calee Wilson and husband Stephen,��Ashlyn (Anthony ’17) Garone��and husband Tom,��Luke Anthony (’20) and Allie Anthony; and 13 great-grandchildren.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to the�� (Ģ����ý Box 29132, Abilene, Texas, 79699-9132).

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He was born Aug. 13, 1931, in Western Grove and grew up in Rogers and various towns across northwest Arkansas. He was editor of��The Optimist��student newspaper in 1952-53, and earned a Bachelor of Arts in English in 1953, the same year he wed classmate��Audrey Kitchens (’55).

He began his professional career with Cities Service Oil Company in Bartlesville, Oklahoma.��In 1964,��Clark and Audrey returned to Abilene, where they worked for their alma mater until their retirement in 1993.

For nearly three decades, most of the images students, alumni, donors and other friends saw of Ģ����ý were through Potts’ camera lens. While he was a graphic designer and editor, he was the university’s chief photographer most of that time, and in the pre-video, pre-digital era of communications, Potts’ carefully edited multi-projector 35mm slide shows and motion-picture films were staples of student recruiting and fundraising events and campaigns.

He managed photographic services while curating an extensive collection of images for public relations and communications. He also won awards for his photography from the American Advertising Federation and the Council for Advancement and Support of Education, many through his work on��Horizons�����Ի���Ģ����ý Today���������������Ա��.

Potts taught on the journalism faculty from 1964-68, was faculty advisor of��The Optimist in 1965-66 and��Prickly Pear��yearbook in 1967-68, and Ģ����ý’s Outstanding Staff Member of the Year in 1977. While university editor��in 1993, he received Ģ����ý’s Excellence in Mass Media Ministry award.

He served on the Centennial Photography Archivists Team for several years leading up to the university’s 100th school year in 2005-06. During the Centennial, Potts was one of 17 recipients of a��John and Ruth Stevens Historical Hashknife Award for pioneering preservation of Ģ����ý history.

A gifted writer and Bible school teacher, he authored��Catch the Dream, a 1989 Ģ����ý Press compilation of inspirational messages he created each week for Hillcrest Church of Christ, where he and Audrey were longtime members.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Clinton M. and Mary Suzette Clark Potts, and Audrey, his wife of 48 years.

Among survivors are sons��Avery Potts (’77)�����Ի���David Potts (’87); daughter��Shannon (Potts ’81) Jones; grandsons��Bryan Potts (’06), Taylor Potts, Brenham Potts and Hayden Potts; great-grandchildren Kaylyn Ard, Kynzie Ard, Ryann Potts and Nolan Potts; and a brother,��Terry Potts (’61).

— Ron Hadfield
June 16, 2025

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He was born Jan. 6, 1932, in Sweetwater, Texas; wed classmate��Betty Bell (’53)��in 1952; earned a B.S. degree in business administration with minors in psychology and Christian education, and was a member of the undefeated 1950 Wildcat football team.

A memorial service is planned for 3 p.m. on��March 29, 2025, at St. Andrew Methodist Church (5801 West Plano Parkway, Plano, Texas 75093), with a reception to follow.

He began his professional career with Wyatt Food Stores, managing supermarkets in Fort Worth and including roles as personnel director, vice president of operations and president while the company expanded to 122 locations in nine states. In 1988, he sold the company to become owner and CEO of Muns Enterprises L.P., a venture capital and investment firm specializing in real estate and related projects.

Muns devoted much of his life to public service in Plano, Texas, serving on its City Council (1981-87) and as mayor (1992-96). He was director of the North Texas Commission, a trustee of Presbyterian Hospital Foundation, and board chair of Presbyterian Hospital Plano. He and Betty were named Plano’s Co-Citizens of the Year in 1995.

Named his alma mater’s 1999 Outstanding Alumnus of the Year, Muns was an Ģ����ý trustee (1981-2002) who co-chaired the record-setting To Lead and To Serve campaign in the mid-1990s, and served on the National Development Council and on the Hope for the Future campaign steering committee. He was an elder at Walnut Hill Church of Christ in Dallas and Pitman Creek Church of Christ in Plano.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Elvie Muns and Claude Muns; Betty, his wife of 71 years; and a great-grandchild. Among survivors are children��Katharine “Kathy” (Muns ’76) Spencer,��Marla Muns (’77),��Greg Muns, M.D. (’80), and��John Muns (’82); 11 grandchildren; and 29 great-grandchildren.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to Ģ����ý’s��Exceptional Scholarship Fund��(Ģ����ý Box 29132, Abilene, Texas 79699-9132 or).

— Ron Hadfield
March 26, 2025

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She earned a B.A. degree in mass communication and married classmate��Don Skelton, D.D.S.��(’63). She coached speech and debate teams at Abilene Cooper High School until Don entered Texas A&M College of Dentistry. They lived in Denver, Colorado, while he was serving in the Air Force during the Vietnam War, then returned to Texas where Don began a dentistry practice.

An avid volunteer in the Denison community, she coached a T-ball team and in 1984, became the first woman to serve as president of the school district’s athletics booster club. She taught Bible classes for nearly five decades at Park Avenue Church of Christ, and led a highly popular women’s study group for years.

At Ģ����ý, Skelton was a trustee for 15 years (2006-21) and a member of the University Council. She was recognized with the state’s Friend of Education award by the Texas State Teachers Association and received a similar honor for the Red River area by international education society Phi Delta Kappa. She was founding president of the Denison Education Foundation and served seven years on the Texoma Health Foundation, including two terms as president.

She was preceded in death by her parents; a son,��Mark Skelton (’92); and a sister,��Nancy (Coleman ’66) Blair. Among survivors are Don, her husband of 62 years; a son,��Scott Skelton (’89); three grandchildren; and one great-grandchild.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to the Ann and A.M. “Tonto” Coleman Endowed Scholarship or the Mark Skelton Endowed Scholarship, both at Abilene Christian (Ģ����ý Box 29132, Abilene, Texas 79699-9132 or ).

Ron Hadfield
— March 17, 2025

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Martha Ann (Smith ’58) Morris

A memorial service is planned for Monday, Jan. 6, at 10 a.m. at University Church of Christ.

She was born July 28, 1936, in Terrell, Texas, and graduated high school there in 1954. She wed Ģ����ý classmate��Tommy A. Morris (’54)��on June 6, 1955.

An Abilene civic leader and insurance agent for years, Tommy is a former longtime trustee, member of the Ģ����ý Sports Hall of Fame and the son of the late��Dr. Don. H. Morris (’24), Abilene Christian’s seventh president.

Martha and Tommy are major benefactors of the men’s basketball program at Ģ����ý, and namesakes of its team suite outside Anthony Arena in Moody Coliseum.

“They have been among our program’s biggest fans, realizing years ago that our success can be a key to boosting the university’s national visibility and reputation,” said Ģ����ý men’s basketball head coach Brette Tanner.��“But far more impactful than their financial support has been the way Tommy and Martha built meaningful relationships and took a personal interest in each of our student-athletes and coaches. They truly adopted our program and made each of us feel like part of their family.”

In June 2024, they were surprised with honorary Doctor of Humane Letters degrees from their alma mater.

“Few families have such an intrinsic connection to the university as the Morrises, and they have done more than sustain that legacy – they have deepened it,” said president��Dr. Phil Schubert (’91). “Tommy and Martha have supported Ģ����ý throughout their lives and are iconic members of one of the most beloved and deep-rooted families in Wildcat history. Their sustained commitment is a blessing to our community, ensuring the university can educate students for Christian service and leadership for generations to come.”

Friends established two endowments at Ģ����ý to honor them: the Tommy and Martha Morris Endowed Scholarship for journalism and mass communication (2018) and the Tommy and Martha Morris Endowed Basketball Scholarship (2010).

Martha was preceded in death by her parents,��Lamon Smith�����Ի���Jo Smith; and a son,��Don Thomas Morris (’91).

Among survivors are Tommy, her husband of 69 years; daughters��Marka Morris Riddle (’78)��and her husband Terry of Abilene;��Melinda Morris Stewardson (’80)��and her husband��Tom, D.D.S. (’67), of Buffalo Gap; and��Patti (Morris ’82) Ensor��and her husband��Josh (’82)��of Abilene; and daughter-in-law��Robin Reynolds Morris (’90)��of Abilene. Grandchildren include Bree Motsinger, Emily Motsinger Sissney, Elizabeth Motsinger Lyons, Mark Motsinger,��Monty Felts (’05), Tommy Felts (’08),��Russell Felts (’13), Martha Kate Felts,��Caleb Ensor (’08),��Steven Ensor (’10), Allie Ensor, Arin Ensor,��Emma McKenzie Morris (’16), Michael Anne Morris,��Caroline Morris (’19 M.S.), and Katherine Jo Morris.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to the Tommy and Martha Morris Endowed Basketball Scholarship ( or Ģ����ý Box 29132, Abilene, Texas 79699-9132).

— Ron Hadfield
Jan. 3, 2025

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Stuart Craig Churchill (’91 M.S.)

A memorial service is scheduled for Wednesday, Dec. 4, 2024, from 4:30-5:30 p.m. at , with family visitation from 3:30-4:30 p.m.��

Churchill earned a B.S. degree in elementary education (1987) from Texas A&M University, a B.B.S. (1989) from the Institute for Christian Studies, an M.S. in biblical and related studies (1991) and M.Div. (1992) from Ģ����ý, and an M.L.S. degree (1994) from The University of Texas at Austin.

He began work at Ģ����ý in 1992, serving for more than 30 years as the university’s first and only dedicated theological librarian, and he taught courses in the Graduate School of Theology. He was the only librarian in Abilene Christian history to serve as Faculty Senate chair (2007-08).��

“Craig Churchill was, in so many ways, an ideal colleague. He did excellent work, he celebrated others’ successes and he looked for ways to raise the quality of the entire library, not just his area,” said Dr. James Wiser, Ģ����ý associate professor and dean of library services and educational technology. “Nine times out of 10, when I look to see if a theology or religious studies book referenced by a speaker is in our collection, it is already there – because he had acquired it. He was the best collection development librarian I’ve ever known. The Brown Library has one of America’s finest theology collections, and it’s almost all because of him.”

He preached at many small Texas congregations over the years, including Churches of Christ in Tye, Cottonwood and De Leon.��

“Craig was our college’s theological librarian – ever helpful and deeply knowledgeable – as well as an instructor for the Graduate School of Theology,” said Dr. Ken Cukrowski (’84), associate professor of New Testament and dean of the College of Biblical Studies. “Much more than those roles, Craig also had a big heart for small churches, preaching regularly for them. A Matthew 25 kind of Christian, Craig ministered in prisons and opened his house to the poor, regularly mentoring folks who needed a hand up. He leaves a legacy of deep faith, a pure heart and a passion for the lowly that models the heart of Christ. We will miss his friendship, his encyclopedic knowledge of and enthusiasm for Texas sports, his warm sense of humor, and his ever-present kindness.”

He was preceded in death by his parents, Jack Churchill and Sue (Godwin) Churchill. Among survivors are Anita, his wife of 38 years; children Jon Churchill (’14) of Midland, Texas, James Churchill (’16) of Abilene, and Laura Churchill of Paris, France; a granddaughter, Scarlett Churchill; and a brother, Chet Churchill of Runnemede, New Jersey.

— Ron Hadfield
Dec. 2, 2024

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Former Ģ����ý first lady

A memorial service is planned for 10 a.m. Saturday, Nov. 30 at University Church of Christ (733 E.N. 16th St., Abilene, Texas 79601), with family visitation immediately afterward. The service will also be available to .

She was born Nov. 10, 1943, in Richmond, California, and earned three degrees from Ģ����ý: a B.S.Ed. and M.S.Ed. (1967) in elementary education, and a master’s in marriage and family therapy (1986).��

A month after graduating in three and a half years, she wed classmate Dr. Royce Money (’64) on Jan. 23, 1965, in San Antonio, Texas, and they lived in Silver Spring, Maryland; Montgomery, Alabama; Springfield, Missouri; and Waco and Dallas, Texas, while he served in various ministry roles.��

Along the way, she taught preschool and kindergarten, and first and second grade. Later, she taught part time as an adjunct instructor in Ģ����ý’s Department of Teacher Education – including as a supervisor of student teachers – and as adjunct professor in the Department of Bible, Missions and Ministry.��

They moved to Abilene in 1981 when Royce joined Ģ����ý’s Marriage and Family Institute faculty. He became director of the ministry program in Bible (1984), then director of the Doctor of Ministry program, chair of graduate Bible and ministry, and provost.��

When Royce was inaugurated as their alma mater’s 10th president in 1991, they were the first U.S. university president and first lady to be licensed marriage and family therapists. She was a clinical member and he was previously an approved supervisor in the American Association for Marriage and Family Therapy.

She also served on the Abilene boards of Hendrick Health Hospice Care, Serenity House and Global Samaritan Resources Inc.

“Pam found ways to blend her experience and education into all the roles she embraced at Ģ����ý,” said Dr. Cheryl Mann Bacon (’76), professor emeritus of journalism and mass communication. “As an educator and counselor she brought professional insights to the often delicate role of university first lady. She tenaciously guarded Royce’s time with their family – summer sabbaticals to Vermont were sacred. Yet​ she embraced with enthusiasm and a smile her de facto roles of ambassador, hostess and friend to alumni and colleagues.”

They are namesakes of the Royce and Pam Money Student Recreation and Wellness Center, a campus focal point and student-centric venue opened in 2011 that includes the Weber Medical and Counseling Care Center and is the home of a dynamic intramural program.��

She and Royce hosted annual Walk With Money events to raise funds for Women for Ģ����ý scholarships and projects; were presenters at the annual National Family Conference hosted by Herald of Truth; hosted “Fit to be Tied” marital preparation seminars, and “Positive Parenting” and “Divorce Recovery” workshops; spoke at the Pepperdine University Lectures on ministering to families in crisis, and at Abilene’s first “Saving Our Families: Family Outreach Training Seminar.”

The couple’s marital relationship was front and center in their daily life, careers and in their unique joint ministry of Christian higher education.

“Royce and Pam were students with me at Ģ����ý in the early 1960s but I really came to know and appreciate them when they became president and first lady in the 1990s. They were a dynamic team and ideal partners to lead our alma mater, said Don Crisp (’64), chair of Ģ����ý’s Board of Trustees from 1992-2007. “Pam took her role seriously, devoting much of her time to serving the university and was one of Royce’s most valued consultants. She loved Abilene Christian and contributed countless hours to its advancement.”��

“One of our goals in a marriage is to help each other get to heaven,” Royce told The Optimist student newspaper in February 1992. “Pam is a true spiritual partner, and we are committed to helping each other on our spiritual pilgrimage. We pray together each night. It’s the last thing we do before we go to sleep.”

“We took a long time deciding and we both knew what we wanted,” Pam said of her relationship with Royce. “And we were dedicated to making a good marriage. We would do whatever it took to make it work. I like that we talked about everything … good, bad and ugly. We knew each other well. He knows what I need and when I need encouragement. I married my best friend.”

Their two daughters remember Pam as a strong and smart marriage partner for Royce.

“They brought out the best in each other,” said Jennifer (Money ’93) Crisp. “Mom saw people’s hurt and needs, and was a fearless advocate for what she thought was important. Dad trusted her intuition and acted to help create solutions.”

“She connected with and made everyone feel important, and was quick to offer encouragement, friendship, empathy or a word of advice,” said Alison (Money ’91) Elliott. “She opened her home and heart to people from all walks of life around the world, especially her grandkids as they came through Ģ����ý as students. She leaves a great legacy of family and friends who know what God’s love looks like from her words and actions.”

Pam eventually changed her focus from classroom education to her private practice at Child and Family Guidance clinic in Abilene, then to her relationships with college students, mentoring hundreds of young men and women. She eventually allowed her licensing credentials to expire, but not her work.

“I just didn’t abruptly stop my practice, I just didn’t add any new clients,” she said. “Now I talk to a lot of kids about their relationships. Instead of problem-oriented, it’s more solution-oriented. I act like a road map and help them decide where they want to go. I think my gift is mercy, and God lets me use that gift through counseling. It fits me. Some people long for service or evangelism. I’m a mercy person. My heart rules my head. I’ve learned how to combine the two – what my thoughts say and what my heart feels.”

Shell​i (Braddock ’93) Presley is one Pam’s grateful mentees.

“Her advocacy and humble service for those in need was inspiring. She lived in kindness with a pure intent to honor God and people well, intentionally focusing on the younger generation,” Presley said. “I am one of many shaped by the time she poured into me and by her love. I cherish her friendship and example and will always thank God for her profound influence on my life.” ��

The Pam Money Endowed Scholarship for Teacher Education was established ​in 2010 at ​A​bilene Christian​,​ where she also served on the President’s Council for the Centennial and was a member of Women for Ģ����ý.��

The couple’s last collaborative academic venture with students was in the 2010-11 school year, when they served as visiting faculty in Fall 2010 in Oxford, England, and Spring 2011 in Leipzig, Germany. During the latter, they led a weeklong excursion to visit sites of the “Seven Churches of Asia” mentioned in the Bible’s Book of Revelation, and scattered throughout modern-day Turkey.

“Pam was blessed with unique professional and people skills that complemented Royce perfectly,” said Ģ����ý president Dr. Phil Schubert (’91). “They especially modeled what it looked like to be a couple lovingly involved in the lives of our students. Their years in pastoral ministry helped them form a highly effective team committed to Christian higher education and our highest spiritual values.”

She was preceded in death by her parents, James Handy and Eula Handy Pruett; and a sister, Darlene (Handy ’65) Voss.

Among survivors are Royce, her husband of ​59 years; daughters Alison (Money ’91) and husband Nino Elliott (’92) of North Richland Hills, and Jennifer (Money ’93) and husband Dr. Brad Crisp (’93) of Abilene; grandchildren David Elliott (’18), Elizabeth (Elliott ’20) and husband Carson Cheek (’21), Andrew Elliott (’23), Jon (’20) and wife Kendall (Bosse ’19) Crisp, and Caleb Crisp (’22); and great-grandchildren Carter Crisp and Cameron Crisp.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to the Pam Money Endowed Scholarship for Teacher Education (Ģ����ý Box 29132, Abilene, Texas 79699-9132 or).��

– Ron Hadfield
Nov. 26, 2024

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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 Ģ����ý 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.

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 Ģ����ý. 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 Ģ����ý men’s arena record for 23 years.

“John Ray was a phenomenal basketball player, and he still would be today. If all Ģ����ý 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 Ģ����ý 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 Ģ����ý’s Sports Hall of Fame.

“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 – Ģ����ý’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 Ģ����ý 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 Ģ����ý 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.

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 Ģ����ý’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 Ģ����ý 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).

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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He was born Nov. 20, 1941, in Houston, Texas.��Carrizal��devoted himself for more than four decades as a congregational minister to churches in four Texas cities.

He met Ģ����ý classmate��Vera Jeanne Petty (’63)��in December 1962. During their courtship, he became one of the first students at Sunset School of Preaching in Lubbock, Texas. The couple wed Aug. 14, 1965, as they began his ministry career, serving the first two years in Littlefield, followed by five years in Houston, then Corpus Christi before their final move in 1985 to Round Rock to start a new Spanish-speaking ministry in partnership with Round Rock Church of Christ.

He made 16 short-term mission trips to Mexico, Argentina, Venezuela, New Zealand and Croatia, often with Vera Jeanne.

��Carrizal��finished his B.S. degree in Christian ministry at Ģ����ý in 1991, and served five years (1993-98) on his alma mater’s Board of Trustees.

In retirement he was a hospital chaplain in Round Rock and Austin, a substitute teacher in the Round Rock ISD, and ministered with Vera Jeanne to two senior living communities before she died in 2020.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Esteban��Carrizal��and Mercedes��Carrizal; his wife, Vera Jeanne; a grandson, Thomas Wiginton; and a sister, Rosario. Among survivors are a son,��Steven��Carrizal��(’89); a daughter,��Janice (Carrizal��’91) Wiginton; six grandchildren; a brother, Manuel��Carrizal; and a sister,��Sandy (Carrizal��’69) Jennings.

— Ron Hadfield
Oct. 14, 2024

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