Richard Eugene Hodges

To be absent from the body is to be present with the Lord.  On Sunday, Nov 5, 2023, Richard Eugene Hodges, 72 left this old world to be in his heavenly home with Jesus.

Rick was born and raised in Orlando, Florida in 1951 and grew up in that peaceful city. He graduated from William R. Boone High School and received a bachelor’s degree from Florida Southern University.

In high school, Rick met Shirley Cone and they later married. They had two daughters.

After graduation, Rick served in the U.S. Air Force for two years and was stationed at Tyndall Air Force Base in Panama City, Florida.  After leaving the military, he worked a challenging third shift job at GATX to provide for his family, while attending school at night to finish his degree. After that, Rick finally got to live out one of his dreams by moving his family to the mountains of NC.  He ended his career managing a floral distribution warehouse. He brought many talents to that career and managed many staff over the years. After retirement, he moved back to Orlando where he helped both his parents navigate serious illnesses. He had a caring and resourceful nature that eased their final days.

Rick had an enthusiastic and sweet-natured personality. We all learned from his love of nature, whether it was collecting seashells or rocks, the love of the mountains and ocean, hunting and fishing, or simply enjoying a beautiful view. He happily grew up in Florida with lakes, rivers, and beaches. He was a lifelong teacher about all things natural to anyone who would listen. If you were around him long enough you would see his love for music and The Lord. He was a member of Upward Baptist Church in Hendersonville, NC.

Rick dearly loved his family and was a dutiful and exuberant father, taking his girls on many trips as they grew up. He was always involved with his daughters. He was PTA president and served on the Indian Guides. He was always willing to talk if you had time to listen. When he got older little kids thought he was Santa with his white hair and long beard. He always enjoyed the younger generation. He loved his granddaughters. They say God picks special men to love and protect girls and Rick’s family was blessed with his special love for his family, especially all of his girls.

Rick was preceded by his parents Lucille Parks Hodges and Eugene M. Hodges of Zellwood, Florida.

He is survived by his daughters Kimberley Harris (Husband Troy and their daughter Olivia) of Cary, NC. Kelly Jones (Husband Chris Jones and their daughters Kaylee and Leah Jones).

Also his sister Joy Hodges Borchers (husband Leon Borchers ) of Atlanta, GA. A niece Carrie Bell (Jamie Gordon) of Marietta, GA, and a nephew, Jason Bell (Gina Bell) of Lawrenceville, GA. As well as aunts Ann Byland (Dick Byland) of Franklin, NC,  Carol Lane of Daytona Beach, FL and Kathy Parks of Winston Salem, NC.

Please Rejoice with the Family on Sat. November 11th at 3:00 p.m. at Ebenezer Baptist church.

In lieu of flowers donations can be made to Four Seasons Hospice.