Harrison Hodge Jr. was born on April 18, 1947, to the late Alma Stanley Hodge and Harrison Hodge Sr. in Salem, AL, affectionately known as the “country.” Harrison’s love for his family and the vision of farmland acres brought him home many times as the years passed. Harrison began his early education in Lee County, AL, and graduated from Sanford High School in Opelika, AL where he was encouraged by his Vocational teacher to pursue higher education. Harrison attended Alabama A&M University earning his Bachelor of Science, Industrial Arts Technology Education in 1970. During that same year, Harrison joined the Nu Epsilon Chapter of Omega Psi Phi. Continuing his education, Harrison later earned an Administrative Certification, Mid Management at Texas Southern University and a Master of Arts, Management and Supervision at Central Michigan University.
After completing his bachelor’s degree, Harrison embarked on a successful career in education and educational administration. Harrison began his career as an Industrial Technology teacher in 1970 at Northside High School in Atlanta, GA prior to his 2-year stint in the United States Army as a Military Policeman in Herlong, California. Upon completing his military service, Harrison returned to his career in education where he held positions at East High School (Columbus, OH), Dulles Middle School (Sugar Land, TX), and Sharpstown Middle School (Houston, TX). Exceeding in his field, Harrison transitioned into administration serving an Assistant Principal at Sugar Land Middle School (Sugar Land, TX), O’Donnell Middle School, and Alief Middle School (Houston, TX). Later, he held the position of Principal at Missouri City Middle School (Missouri City, TX). Harrison demonstrated exceptional leadership qualities and a natural strategic decision-making aptitude throughout his career. He proudly completed his career and retired in 2008.
Although Harrison held many prestigious positions, he would rather be remembered as a devoted family man who cherished his three children, Keisha, Roderick, and April, honorary children, and his grandchildren. Harrison was a great example to his younger siblings as he led the Hodge pack being the first of six to attend Alabama A&M University. His love for them was boundless. His commitment to his family was reflected in his unwavering values and principles, which guided him in all life aspects.
Harrison had a passion for serving the community and brotherhood as he remained active in the Rho Xi Graduate Chapter of Omega Psi Phi for many years. His love for Omega Psi Phi was proudly displayed daily, from the hat on his head to the chain around his neck. It was easy to find Harrison beaming with a huge smile as he was casting a fishing line from his boat or capturing family events with his photography and videography skills. He loved entertaining and dining with family and friends. But most importantly, his love for God was evident through his work at his church, involvement in his community, and service in the myriad of educational organizations he worked with.
Harrison leaves to cherish his memories his three devoted children, Keisha Garcia (Jaime), Harrison ‘Rodrick’ Hodge, and April Mahalie James (Melford); his grandchildren, Antonio Garcia, Andrew Garcia, Cierra Garcia, Kennedy Ford, and Madison Ford; his honorary children, Eric Allen, and Adrienne Allen: his siblings, Bobbie Lee Hodge (Rosie Nell), Elroy Hodge, Clementene Pearson, Nonie Daniels (Leeposey), Homer Hodge (Barbara), Henry Hodge (Julia), David Hodge (Valerie), and Almeda Drake (Maurice). He also leaves a host of nieces, nephews, family, friends, and fraternity brothers.
