Albert "Al" Hodges

Mr. Albert “Al” Hodges, age 85, passed away Friday, April 30, 2021 at Evans Memorial Hospital in Claxton.  He was born in Battle Creek, Michigan on October 5, 1935 to Albert Carroll and Leta Jared Hodges.  During his infancy, the family moved to the Taft/Orlando area of Florida where Al would spend his formative years.  After graduation from high school, he would go on to study at the University of Florida.  Following his college years, he would begin his professional career with Martin-Marietta in Orlando, where he would work for a number of years.  Seeking to further his career, Al joined Dektronics in Altamonte Springs as Vice President of the company.  Seeking a slower paced lifestyle and the opportunity to own his business, he moved his family to Reidsville in 1968 where he would own and operate Hodges Grocery and Abattoir.  He and his wife, Linda would open the first sandwich shop in 1984.  Other shops were established in Glennville, Lyons, Vidalia, and Claxton.  In 1988 a family emergency required the couple to move to Soddy-Daisy Tennessee and true to their entrepenaural spirit, they would bring their business there as well.  Although Al was driven to succeed and see his businesses thrive, the underlying drive for him was the fact that he loved people.  He never met a stranger and countless people were drawn to his outgoing personality.  Not only would he freely share his wealth of knowledge on various subjects, but he was an amazing storyteller.  Often, his stories were based in historical fact; of which he was an expert.  Others remember him for his cooking and baking skills.  Al was renowned for his German chocolate cheesecake and pecan pies.  Countless beneficiaries of his generosity would support that statement and long for another taste!  Even in retirement, he could be found at his son’s restaurant talking to the customers and ensuring that they knew they were welcome and appreciated.  Above all else though, Al was a witness for the love, generosity, and forgiveness of Jesus Christ.  He would use his God given talents to further the kingdom of God; showing others the love that Christ first showed him.  Indeed, he was a testament to the goodness of his Lord and Savior.   A man of genuine character, gracious in action, and grateful for the love of God; Al will be deeply missed by all who knew him.  After a lifetime of dedication and devotion he has received his Heavenly reward.  He is preceded in death by his parents and siblings, Carroll Hodges, William Hodges, John Henry Hodges and Silas Wilson Hodges; the mother of his children, Mathadeen Sikes Hodges.

Left to carry on a legacy of love are his wife of 43 years, Linda O. Hodges of Collins; children, Angie (Dale) Anderson of Glennville, David Hodges of Reidsville, Deborah (Ronnie) Lundell of Hinesville, and Houston (Karen) Hodges of Claxton; stepsons, Michael (Tami) Joiner of Hixson, TN and Alan (Judy) Joiner of Chattanooga, TN; siblings, Sadie Yates of Jefferson, GA, Jane Brendell of Franklin, NC, and Joe (Kathy) Hodges of Dayton, TN; 12 grandchildren; 15 great grandchildren; several nieces and nephews.

The family will receive friends on Sunday May 2, 2021 beginning at 6:00pm at the funeral home.  Funeral services will be conducted 10:00am Monday May 3, 2021 from the Chapel of Low Country Cremation and Burial with the Reverends Bruce Roberts and John Lopez officiating.  Interment will follow in the Little Flock Primitive Baptist Church Cemetery.

Pallbearers will be Chris Anderson, Christian Guther, Jared Hodges, Jeff Oriend, Chatyn Sellars, Gene Pritchard and Christian Guther Jr.

The family would be honored by all expressions of sympathy but do ask consideration be given to a donation in memoriam to St. Jude Children’s Hospital Research Hospital 501 St. Jude Place, Memphis, TN 38105 or Tattnall CARES, PO Box 2356 Reidsville GA 30453.

Low Country Cremation and Burial is serving the Hodges family.