Dumas
Funeral Home
Ripley Funeral Home
Visitation
3- 8 PM, Sunday, February, Pine Grove Gymnasium and Monday, February 19, 11 AM to 1 PM in the gymnasium.
Service
1 PM, Monday, February 19, Pine Grove Gymnasium
Obituary
Military Service Tribute, Honors, and Obituary
Recognizing and Honoring a Fallen Hero, Who Served Within the Mississippi National Guard. “Fallen, Yet Not Forgotten”
In recognition of our proud American tradition of honorable service which our military men and women have given to their country and our State, we honor a Fallen Hero. Our nation, our state, and the National Guard Association of MS (NGAMS) regard the memorializing of its retired military deceased as an honorable and sacred obligation.
Another great Soldier and Fallen Hero has been released from duty, passed from our ranks on February 15, 2024, and has moved on to his heavenly home. Former Staff Sergeant Charles E. Hodges, age 75, who had served in the MSARNG within the 1st Calvary Squadron, 108th Armored Regiment, has departed and gone to a better place with our good Lord. Hodges has also served within the U.S. Air Force.
It takes a special person to serve within the military for their country, giving up their family time, comfort, and safety for their country, ultimately for all Americans to enjoy their freedoms, safety, and way of life. We now applaud you for your service to our country. A special message from General Douglas McArthur remains applicable today for our servicemen that have passed: “Old Soldiers never die; they just fade away”.
Rest in Peace Soldier. We applaud your patriotism, sacrifices, and brave efforts in serving our country and your family for their support of your service. We thank you for your service. Without your efforts and your families’ support, our country would not stand so boldly, shine so bright, and live so free.
You now have earned a rest, so go fly with the Angels, go rest high on that mountain; your work on earth is done. Go to heaven a-shoutin’ Love for the Father and the Son.
Another great Soldier has gone home, “Fallen, Yet Not Forgotten, Soldier for Life”.
Obituary, Visitation, and Service details:
On Thursday, February 15, 2024, Charles E. Hodges, 75, resident of the Dry Creek Community, passed away peacefully at Magnolia Assisted Living in New Albany following an extended illness.
Visitation for Mr. Hodges will be from 3 PM to 8 PM Sunday, February 18 at the Pine Grove Gymnasium and will continue Monday, February 19 from 11 AM to 1 PM in the gymnasium. Funeral Services, with Military Honors, will be at 1 PM, Monday, February 19 in the Pine Grove Gymnasium with Bro. Jerry Kelly and Bro. Chris Shinall officiating. Burial will follow in Box’s Chapel Cemetery.
Mr. Hodges was born March 11, 1948, the son of the late Earl and Rosie Hill Hodges. He was a1966 graduate of Pine Grove High School, proudly served his country in the United States Air Force from 1966 to 1970 and the Mississippi National Guard from 1981 to 1992. On July 8, 1966, he married his beloved wife, Dianne Davis Hodges who preceded him in death on September 9, 2019.
Mr. Hodges was a valued bus driver for the Pine Grove School System, not only for getting students to and from school but drove athletes and students to all Pine Grove activities. A member of Bethel Church in Rienzi, he will be remembered for his outgoing personality, his active social life and his continuous love for Pine Grove and Pine Grove Basketball. When not bussing students and athletes around, Mr. Hodges drove a bus for, The Masters Quartet and N-2-Jesus Quartet where he also served as their “merchandise salesman”.
After his retirement in 2015, Mr. Hodges enjoyed being a “Pa-Paw”, yard sales and eating coconut cakes, oatmeal creme pies and hamburgers. Over his many years at Pine Grove, he made many friendships with students and faculty, may his words of wisdom and encouragement bring joy and comfort along with wonderful memories.
Blessed with a loving family, memories will continue to be shared by two daughters, Shaundra Spires (David) of Ripley, and Karen Isbell of Booneville, a son, Justin Hodges (Nicole) of Booneville, one brother, Eddie Hodges of Holcomb, six grandchildren, Jimmy Spires (Karly), Tyler Isbell (Jordan), Sarah Spencer (Daniel), Marleigh Rinehart (Jonah) Berlin Spires and Broc Hodges, two great grandchildren, Charli Klaire and Addi James Rinehart and a host of nieces and nephews.
He was also preceded in death by four sisters, Sue Hardy, Deanie Hughey, Sharon Couch and Mae Evelyn Jackson, three brothers, Ronald, Lynwood and Jimmy Hodges.
The family request that memorials be directed to Pine Grove Basketball Department, 3510 cr 600, Ripley, MS 38663
The Ripley Funeral Home invites you to share memories.
To send flowers to the family or plant a tree in memory of Charles E. Hodges, please visit our floral store.