James Earl Hodges, Sr., 92, of Collinsville, Virginia went to live with his Lord on Thursday, February 15, 2024. Earl was born to George Dewey and Virginia Thomasson Hodges on August 19, 1931 in Ridgeway, Virginia. In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his brothers, Kenneth, Howard, and Jack, and his sisters, Dorothy Cardwell, Phoebe Leach, and Ruby Helen.
Surviving Earl to cherish his memory are his wife of 73 years, Dorothy Mae Mason Hodges, and his children Jim (Brenda), Dean (Rhonda), Janice (Sandy), and Kevin (Lori). He is also survived by his grandchildren: Marcus (Lindsay), Alex (Anna), Brandon, Chris, Nicole, Mason, Kristin, and Kolton, and great-grandson Wyatt. Additionally, Earl is survived by his brother, Glen (Theresa), his sister, Nancy Stowe (Marshall), and sister-in-law, Betty Jean Hodges.
Earl graduated from Ridgeway High School and was co-owner of Hite Oil Company in Martinsville. He was a deacon and trustee of Fontaine Baptist Church where he was a member for most of his life. In addition, Earl was a member of Piedmont Masonic Lodge #152 since 1959. He served as a Master Sergeant in the Army during the Korean Conflict and witnessed the signing of the Korean Armistice Agreement.
Earl enjoyed fishing trips to Cherry Grove with his siblings and their families for many years. He also enjoyed working in his garden, shooting targets with his children, playing board games with his grandchildren, and family trips to Disney World. Earl was a wonderful husband, father, grandfather, brother, and friend.
Visitation will be held at McKee Stone Funeral Home on Thursday, February 22, 2024, from 12pm to 1pm with the funeral immediately following. Burial will be in Roselawn Burial Park. At other times, the family will receive visitors at the home.
The family would like to thank his caregivers, Mary Lawson, Lorene Steen, and Sue Critz.
In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be made to The Gideons International, Henry Co. East Camp, P.O. Box 1243, Martinsville, VA 24114.
McKee-Stone Funeral Home, Martinsville, Va. is serving the family.
