Robert L Hodges, Jr.

Robert L. Hodges, Jr., 85, Johnson City, went to be with the Lord on Monday, February 9, 2009 . A native of Johnson City, Mr. Hodges was born on Sept. 28, 1923, as the son of the late Robert L. and Pinkie Lay Hodges. He graduated from Science Hill High School and attended East Tennessee State College. A veteran of World War II, Mr. Hodges enlisted in the U.S. Army in 1943 and rose to the rank of 1st Lieutenant. During the Korean War, he was stationed at Fort Story in Virginia Beach, VA, where he was the only lieutenant with World War II combat infantry experience. Because of this distinction, he was given the responsibility of overseeing the training of all troops. Upon his return to Johnson City following the Korean War, Mr. Hodges resumed his job at Central Paper and Supply Company, Inc., which was owned by his father and eventually became a three-generation family-operated business. Mr. Hodges dedicated more than 60 years of his life to his company and continued to go to work even as his illness progressed until January of this year. The United Group, a Monroe, Louisiana-based nationwide buying group of which he served as a director, presented Mr. Hodges with the prestigious 'TUG Award'? during its 2007 national conference. He was also a member of the Sons of the Confederate Veterans Camp #1294 in Knoxville, TN. Mr. Hodges maintained an active presence in the local business community, serving as a member of numerous professional, civic, and social organizations, including many years as a member of the Hamilton Bank and Suntrust Bank board of directors. He served three different terms on the Johnson City/Jonesborough/Washington County Chamber of Commerce Board of Directors. In 1981, while President of the Board of Directors, he instituted the highly successful monthly membership breakfasts which presently has more than 275 chamber members attending each month. He also served on the building committee in 1977-78 during which time the current Chamber of Commerce offices were constructed. It was his dedicated efforts to bring the Lady of the Fountain statue, which rested for many years in Downtown Johnson City in the area known today as Fountain Square, back to Johnson City from Henderson, NC, that many consider one of Mr. Hodges greatest civic contributions. In 1990, the Chamber of Commerce presented Mr. Hodges with the Hall of Fame Award, the highest honor bestowed by the chamber. When he was born, his parents enrolled him in the Cradle Roll at Central Baptist Church. He remained an active member of the church the rest of his life. He served two terms as Sunday School Superintendant for a total of 15 years, and also held the chairmanship of the Finance Committee and Board of Deacons. He is survived by his wife of nearly 63 years, Elizabeth McMackin Hodges; one brother, Jack D. Hodges, of Johnson City; three children: daughter Elizabeth Hodges Gordon and husband Charles Gordon, Jr., of High Point, NC; sons Robert L. Hodges III and wife Nancy, and Joseph Willbond Hodges, all of Johnson City; three grandchildren: twins Dr. Elizabeth H. Gordon of Johnson City and Charles E. Gordon, of Blacksburg, VA; and Robert L. Hodges IV, who is currently a cadet at The Citadel. A funeral service for Mr. Hodges will be conducted at 2:00 PM Friday, February 13, 2009 at Central Baptist Church. Dr. Ronald R. Murray, Reverend R. Willard Warfield and Reverend Carroll Murphy will officiate. Music will be under the direction of Mr. Tony Martin and Debbie Warfield Odom. Military graveside services will follow at Monte Vista Memorial Park. The family will receive friends from 12:30 PM until service time at the church and at other times at the home. Active pallbearers will be Odie Major, Carroll Murphy, Jim Hunter, Jerry Harkleroad, Robert L. Hodges IV, and Charles E. Gordon. Honorary pallbearers are the employees of Central Paper and Supply Company, Inc., Suntrust Bank Board of Directors, Dr. Douglas Crockett, Earl Nidifer, Ray Reaves, Danny Gerard, and Harry Harman.