Horace W. “Roy” Hodges Jr., 90, passed away Monday, Feb. 13, 2017. Roy was born in Mathews County, Va., to the late H.W. Hodges Sr. and Lucy Payne Hodges.
He is survived by his wife of 64 years, Wanda Bacher; sons, Mark Sr., Kenneth, Art and Horace III; and six grandchildren.
Roy was part of the greatest generation, and served his country in the Merchant Marines during World War II. He was a staff sergeant in the U.S. Army during the Korean conflict and a long-standing member of the Mathews County American Legion. Roy graduated from Maury in 1946 and had a distinguished 35-year career with the Chesapeake and Potomac Telephone Company.
Roy’s father, Captain Willie Hodges, from Mathews County, Va., was part of the only known family to have six licensed ship captains in the same family. Their war efforts were recognized by the writer, William Geroux, in his book, The Mathews Men, published this past year by Viking Press.
Roy enjoyed fishing and hunting with his sons and friends his entire life; socialization was always more important than the catch or the kill. He was a great country cook and loved to serve meals to his family and friends. In addition, he was a Jack of all trades, he bought and resold property in his beloved Mathews County. He was helpful to friends and strangers alike, but family was the most important part of his life! He will be forever missed.
A graveside service will be held at 2 p.m. Saturday, Feb. 18, at Forest Lawn Cemetery.
In lieu of flowers, the family requests memorial contributions to the Mathews Maritime Foundation.
Condolences may be expressed to the family at www.hollomon-brown.com.
