Ronceverte-John Edsel Hodges, 86, passed away Friday, July 3, 2015, at his home in Ronceverte. John was born Jan. 12, 1929, at Ronceverte, a son of the late Elbert Burton and Julia Mary Lindsay Hodges. He was a member of Ronceverte First Church of God, a retired route salesman for Coca-Cola for over 47 years, a member of Ronceverte Fire Department for almost 62 years, a graduate of Greenbrier High School Class of 1947, a former Ronceverte Lion’s Club member and an Army National Guard member for nine years. In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by two sisters, Lois Sams and Wanda Hodges; brother, Glen Hodges; sister-in-law, Helen Hodges; and brother-in-law, Ralph Loudermilk. He is survived by: his wife, Joanna Loudermilk Hodges and would have celebrated 62 years of marriage in August; son, Freddie Hodges (Nancy) of Ronceverte; two daughters, Brenda Beard (Stewart) of Ronceverte and Patricia Moody (Aaron) of Asbury; three grandchildren, Adam Moody (Rachel) of Asbury, Jessica Knight (Rob) of Charlottesville, VA and John Beard of Ronceverte; four great-grandchildren, Johnathan Knight, Ayden Moody, Sophia Knight and Lillian Moody; sister, Mabel Robinson (Charlie) of St. Albans; brother, E.B. Hodges (Belle) of Ronceverte; two sisters-in-law, Peggy Loudermilk of South Charleston and Norma Loudermilk of Christiansburg, VA; brother-in-law, Julian Sams of Ronceverte; and several nieces and nephews. Funeral services were held on Tuesday, July 7, at Wallace & Wallace Funeral Rome in Ronceverte, where Rev. Richard Smith and Rev. Robert Hefner, Jr. officiated. Burial followed in Riverview Cemetery in Ronceverte. Visitation was Monday evening, July 6, at Wallace & Wallace Funeral Home in Ronceverte. In lieu of flowers, donations of sympathy may be made to Ronceverte First Church of God, 811 North Avenue, Ronceverte, WV 24970 or to hospice Care, Inc., 1265 Maplewood Avenue, Lewisburg, WV 24901. Please send online condolences by visiting www.WallaceandWallaceFH.com.
