John W. Hodges

It is with humble gratitude to the Lord and Savior Jesus Christ that the family of John Wesley Hodges announces his home going on Sunday, August 11, 2013 at the age of 73. A son of the King of all creation, John now resides in a place specially prepared for him by his loving Father.

John was a resident of Nacogdoches for the past 20 years, where he moved to enjoy being surrounded by his children and grandchildren. Born in Blackwell, Oklahoma on October 24, 1939, he was an unapologetic Sooner in every sense of the word. He relished the success of OU and creatively defended their losses. Being an Okie was in his blood and though he was an adopted Texan, he was and is even now a Boomer Sooner.

John spent his career working in property management mostly in Oklahoma City. He loved to work and was skilled in many areas. He had a sharp mind and a quick wit, which made him charming as a friend and a coworker. However, for all his career achievements, he often said his greatest accolades came from being a grandfather. He relocated to Nacogdoches in 1994 and quickly took up a place at the very heart of the family.

His greatest achievement in life has been in his role as grandfather. John never missed a soccer game, baseball game, swim meet, school play, or the multitude of other activities for his grandkids. He was at every birthday, graduation, marriage, birth and life event relishing the blessing of being part of family. As his grandkids grew to be adults he moved from laughing at their antics to offering his help and council. John served his family well and was an incredible model of putting others first.

As much as he loved his grandkids, it was his two daughters that brought him the deepest joy. He loved being a dad and was greatly involved in his daughter’s lives and families even more in the later years than in the early years.

His greatest triumph in life came in 1994 when at the age of 55 he turned to the Lord Jesus Christ for salvation and the forgiveness of his sins. From that moment on, nothing in his life was the same. As his understanding of God’s amazing grace grew in his heart and mind, so did his impact in the lives of others. He grew to be a servant-hearted man, seeking to show the love of God whenever he could. He was not a perfect man, but he was a redeemed man motivated by a grateful heart. In his years in Nacogdoches he found places to serve God’s purposes at Grace Bible Church, where he was embraced whole-heartedly by a loving church family. Over the years he served as an usher, as an AWANA leader, and working in the college-student ministry. Giving his life away brought him more joy than anything he sought after in his early life. This is the example he has left with his family and friends and the message he tried to live to his very last day.

Even after a diagnosis of cancer in June of 2012, John’s faith remained firm in the goodness of God. He believed God had a purpose for every day of his suffering and he refused to let fear steal those opportunities. His courage and faithfulness left an impact on friends and strangers alike. He left this world for his real home with full trust in the promises and hope of Jesus Christ. His joy never wavered.

John is survived by his two daughters, Tammi Hyde and Kim Wier, and his best-friend son-in-law, Tony Wier. He is also survived by nine grandchildren: Angela and Davis Ross, Chase and Courtney Wier, Michael Byrd, William Hyde and Summer Brandon-Hyde, Bailey Wier and Hannah Wier. For the time being he is parted from four great-grandchildren, Carl Smith, Shelby Ross, Kaleb Brandon-Hyde and his newest great-grandbaby due any day, Emma Hyde . John also leaves behind a most beloved brother and sister-in-law, Bill and Sandy Hodges of Edmond, Oklahoma, and two nephews, Wesley Hodges and Mike Hodges and wife Austin and their two children, William Ace and Posey Eileen. He also goes ahead of many close friends, including Linda Bailey and Chick and Millie Dolezel. He was preceded in death by his parents, Ellis and Ann Hodges.

John’s great legacy to all he leaves behind is a testimony of God’s goodness and faithfulness no matter the circumstance. He has tasted the redeeming work of God though Christ and would call all to experience the same blessings and promises that lead to eternal life.

A public memorial service will be held to celebrate John’s life and legacy Wednesday, August 14 at 11a.m. at Grace Bible Church in Nacogdoches.