Balfour Godwin Phills

Balfour Godwin Phills, 92, of Orlando, FL passed away on October 12, 2021 after a long battle with Parkinson's Disease.

He was born to Frederick Phills and Emma Snagg on February 26, 1929 in Kingstown, St. Vincent and The Grenadines. He was the eldest son of nine children born to Frederick Phills.

Godwin as he was affectionately called by most, attended grades 1 - 2 at Belair Anglican Church. Godwin then attended St. Vincent Grammar School from which he graduated the 12th grade. During his school days, Godwin milked the cows, tended to his chores and served as an Altar Boy to his local church. On May 29, 1954 he was duly admitted as a member of the Ancient Order of Foresters Friendly Society.

In 1957, Godwin moved to the island of Curacao where he worked at the Shell Oil Refinery. Later in 1959, he moved to Brooklyn, NY with his cousin Mabel Cambridge and soon found employment with Bolex in Linden, NJ, where he worked until August of 1964. In September of the same year, he started working at EPOI as a camera technician which is presently known as Nikon and retired in September 1994.

The year is not clear but either 1960 or 1961, Godwin met the love of his life, Mattie Mae Williams and on November 9, 1963, the day after her 34th birthday they married at Trinity AME Church. Two children were born of this wonderful union, daughter, Annette and son, John.

Godwin and Mattie raised their family in Hollis, Queens NY, until his retirement and relocated to Orlando, Florida in September, 1994.

While in NY, Godwin's hobbies included gardening and photography, which he turned into a stream of revenue photographing weddings, graduations, and bar mitzvahs. Godwin was a member of the St. Vincent Cricket Club until the early 1990's during which he played at different islands in the West Indies and all over the state of NY. Godwin was awarded many plaques, trophies and on September 17, 1994 he was given "The Prestigious Service Award" in recognition of his many years of membership, loyal support and active participation from the St. Vincent Cricket Club, INC. Once settled in Orlando, Godwin and Mattie faithfully attended Faith Assembly of God on Goldenrod Rd. His new hobby was bowling and he was part of the inception of the Wedgefield Men's Club, where he held the tile of treasurer.

Godwin leaves behind two children, Annette Phills, John Phills, step-son Jose Morales, three grandchildren, Derric McCarter, Efun Deji Phills, Jessica Morales and one great-grandson Derric "King" McCarter, two brothers Otto Phills (Arlinda), Kingsley Phills and sister Yvonne Phills; a host of nephews, nieces, cousins, adopted son/daughters and loyal friends. Most of all he leaves some very precious memories.

May his perpetual light shine upon him.