Elmer Eugene ‘Gene’ Hodges (1925-2021)
Mr. Elmer Eugene “Gene” Hodges, age 96, of Forrest City, passed away from this life and joined his Savior on Saturday, Dec. 18, 2021, in Forrest City.
He was born in Forrest City and lived there all of his life. He retired from Charles Todd Inc., and was a veteran of the U.S. Navy, serving during World War II. He had a personal relationship with his Savior Jesus and attended Emmanuel Baptist Church and loved his church family. He was a deacon and a charter member of Emmanuel for 63 years. He loved reading his Bible.
He loved all kinds of ball, football, basketball and baseball. He touched a lot of lives volunteering by coaching little league baseball. He loved watching Mustangs, Razorbacks and the Braves. He also served as a proud member of the football chain gang of the Mustangs for several years. He also played on the Emmanuel softball team for several years. Gene hardly ever met a stranger.
He was preceded in death by his parents, Reuben and Rosie Hodges; one sister, Annie Mae Dover; three brothers, Reuben Hodges Jr., Jessie Hodges and James Hodges and one grandson, Brian Shaddock.
Survivors include the love of his life, his wife of 69 years, Evelyn Hodges of the home. He will be dearly missed by his wife, children and grandchildren. He leaves behind two daughters, E.J. (Lewis) Etheridge and Rita (Jody) Nail; one son, Barry (Cindy) Hodges; six grandchildren and 13 greatgrandchildren, who were his pride and joy, and a host of many dear family members, friends and acquaintances.
Visitation will be from 1 to 2 p.m., Wednesday, Dec. 22, 2021, at Emmanuel Baptist Church in Forrest City with funeral services beginning at 2 p.m. Burial will follow in Forrest City Park Cemetery under the direction of Stevens Funeral Home.
The family requests memorials be made to the Gideons or to Emmanuel Baptist Church.
Visit the online registry at stevensfuneralhome.net.