Harold "Red" Frederick Hodges

Our Dad was a Heavy Equipment Operator working for S.B. Cox Demolition for over 50 years. He changed the skylines of Virginia, knocking down one building at a time with his wrecking ball. He grew up in a time when education was limited and received a 5th-grade education in a one-room schoolhouse, but he never allowed it to limit him and what he could accomplish. He was happiest when he was with his children, grandchildren, great-grandchildren, and friends, Roger and Lorrie, who helped him solve the world's problems while sitting on their back porch. He loved riding his Harley motorcycles out on the open road to places such as the West Coast and Florida in his later years. He was a simple man with a big heart.

He is preceded in death by his Mother; Ethel Sprouse, father; Elbert Hodges, brother; Carl Hodges, sister; Marion Leake, son-in-law; Timothy Taylor, grandson; Caleb Miles, and his much-loved son; Troy Hodges.

He is survived by his children, Carol Blanks, Melissa Taylor, Carl Hodges (Kate), Wanda Greek, Cindy Odum, and Shelly Miles (Michael), as well as sons-in-law who became his sons; Duna Odum and Cheyne Greek; grandchildren; Amber, Kayla, Tim (Tamara), Danny (Stephanie), Emerald (Kenny), James, Allie, Sierra (Michael) and Holly. Great grandchildren; Warick, Thaden, a baby girl on the way, Melissa, Troy, Scarlett, Piper, Violet; sister Minor Miller (Lefty) and brother Newton Hodges (Faye) and numerous nieces and nephews.

The family will receive friends Tuesday, July 30, from 6 to 8 p.m. at Nelsen Funeral Home, 4650 S. Laburnum Ave., Richmond, VA 23231 where a service will be held on Wednesday, July 31, at 11 a.m. A graveside service will follow at 2 p.m. at Powhatan Community Cemetery, 3929 Old Buckingham Road, Powhatan, VA 23139.

Like a true nature’s child, he was born to be wild!