THOMAS LEIGHTON HODGES
went to be with the Lord on Tuesday, the 14th of July 2020. Tommy was born to the late Charles G. and Helen F. Hodges on the 1st of September 1942, in Dallas, Texas.
After moving to Arkansas, Tommy attended and graduated from Hot Springs High School where he excelled academically and athletically. He went on to continue his education at the University of Arkansas at Fayetteville, where he received a Bachelor of Science from J. William Fulbright College of Arts and Sciences. While at Arkansas, Tommy was an active member of Sigma Alpha Epsilon fraternity, which gave him a bond of brotherhood that he continued to support with his gifts and services throughout his adult life. He finished his education at the University of Oklahoma where he earned a Masters Degree in Urban and City Planning.
Upon graduation, Tommy began his career in Little Rock as a land planner with Manes and Associates. He then founded Urban Planning and Development Corporation in the late 1960’s and was instrumental in redesigning the Fayetteville Town Square. For the next twenty years he was involved in residential, multi-family and commercial developments across the country, including his community development, Otter Creek. In 1994, work began on his largest project to date, Gateway Town Center, which is anchored by Bass Pro Shop and the Outlets of Little Rock. His perseverance and leadership not only led to tremendous success, but also fostered an amazing legacy that endures to this day.
Tommy served as a member of the Board of Directors of Pulaski Bank and Trust, the Board of Directors for the Boys Club of Little Rock, the Board of Directors for the City of Little Rock Planning Commission, Chairman of Pulaski County Heart Associations Harvest Ball, a member of the Urban Land Institute, a member of the Little Rock Chamber of Commerce, member of the Little Rock Rotary Club and a member of the Razorback Foundation. As an active member of Pulaski Heights United Methodist Church, he served as a member of the Board of Stewards and the finance committee. Tommy was a longtime member of the Country Club of Little Rock, where you could find him golfing on any given day, that is, unless there were ducks flying.
In 2016 Tommy began serving on the National Sigma Alpha Epsilon Financial and Housing Corporation Board of Directors, where he held positions of Treasurer, Vice President, and, at the time of his passing, President. He was past President of the SAE University of Arkansas Housing Corporation and Chairman of the house renovation for the University of Arkansas chapter. He was awarded by SAE with the Order of Minerva and the Merit Key for dedication to improving chapter facilities across the realm.
Tommy is survived by his beloved wife of 57 years, Carol Beebe Hodges; his two daughters, Catherine Elizabeth Hodges and Anne Hodges Kashata; Anne’s husband, Kristopher Jarrett Kashata; and his three grandsons: Kristopher Harrison Kashata, Alexander Thomas Kashata, and Walker Anderson Kashata, all of Dallas, Texas, who knew and loved him as their Papa. He is also survived by his brother, John Charles Hodges of Hot Springs, Ark.; and his nieces and nephews.
Always the optimist, Tommy lived his life to the fullest. His positive attitude was contagious and he never met a stranger. His quiet faith in the Lord guided him throughout his years. He will be deeply missed by all the lives he touched. He was a true gentleman and a great role model for all of us, especially his grandsons. His loss is deeply felt, but his legacy will endure and he will be with us forever.
In lieu of customary remembrances, the family requests memorial contributions to be directed to:
Pulaski Heights United Methodist Church 4823 Woodlawn, Little Rock, Ark., 72205. Sigma Alpha Epsilon Building Fund at the University of Arkansas, Attention: Gift Services, 1002 West Maple, Fayetteville, Ark., 72701. CHI St. Vincent’s Foundation, P.O. Box 7501, Little Rock, Ark., 72207.
Arrangements are under the direction of Ruebel Funeral Home, ruebelfuneralhome.com.