Dr. Morris "Cliff" Hodges Sr.

April 20, 1937 - December 9, 2013

"Doc," as he was known to his family and close friends, was a Hoover, AL, resident. He passed away at age 76. He was born in Amory, MS and graduated from Amory High School in 1955 before he continued his education at the University of Mississippi until 1959.

After graduating from the University of Tennessee School of Dentistry in 1962, Doc enlisted in the U.S. Army where he served until 1965. He continued his military service in the Alabama National Guard, where he achieved the rank of Bird Colonel.

Following his military service, Doc started a private dental practice in Kosciusko, MS, where he worked until 1973. Accepting a position of staff dentist at the Birmingham (Alabama) VA Medical Center, he moved his family to Hoover, where he practiced until he retired in 2004. He was also an Assistant Professor of Clinical Dentistry at the UAB School of Dentistry until he retired from that position in 2009.

The “work” that brought Doc the most joy was coaching girls ASA and Hoover High School softball. He had a full and active career coaching from 1981 until 2009. With numerous winning records, he was inducted into the Central Alabama ASA Hall of Fame in 2010 and the Alabama High School Sports Hall of Fame in 2012.

Doc was preceded in death by his parents, Eugene and Molly Morris Hodges of Amory, MS, and two grandsons, John Clifton Watson and Trey Hodges. Survivors include Doc's bride of 56 years, Joan Mize Hodges; three daughters, Leanne Williamson (Garry), Lisa Donahoo (Donnie), and Molly Nelson (Bryan); one son, Morris Hodges, Jr. (Elise); and five grandchildren, Mason Donahoo, Kristin Donahoo, Chanse Nelson, Jacob Hodges, and Laura Williamson.

Visitation will be at Ridout's Southern Heritage Funeral Home in Pelham, AL from 6-8 p.m. on Tuesday, December 10, 2013. The funeral service will be in Ridout's Southern Heritage Chapel, Pelham at 1 p.m. on Wednesday, December 11, 2013 with Dr. Buddy Gray of Hunter Street Baptist Church officiating. Pallbearers will be Dr. Ted Evans, Dr. Tom Peaspanen, Dr. Bill Purdy, Dr. Tim Heaven, Jim Brown, and Hugh Hines.

In lieu of flowers, the family has requested that donations be made to the American Heart Association or your favorite charity.