Billy Dean Hodge, born on June 12, 1938, in Rutherford County, North Carolina, passed away on June 10, 2024, in Newport News, Virginia, just two days shy of his 86th birthday.
Billy spent his formative years in Rutherford County and graduated from high school in Ellenboro, North Carolina. His patriotic spirit led him to enlist in the U.S. Air Force, where he served with distinction and honor. His military career was marked by numerous accolades, including the Bronze Star for Vietnam service, the Air Force Commendation Medal, the Meritorious Service Medal, the Small Arms Expert Marksmanship Ribbon, and the Armed Forces Expeditionary Medal, to name a few. He furthered his education and skills with an Associate’s Degree from St. Leo College and specialized training from the Defense Intelligence School.
After a 30 year career, Billy retired from the U.S. Air Force and dedicated another 12 years to a second career in Civil Service, working in accounting.
Billy’s life was enriched by his diverse interests. He found joy in hunting, fishing and bowling alongside his beloved wife, and playing golf. His generosity was evident in his frequent donations to Veterans of America, a cause close to his heart.
In his personal life, Billy was a devoted husband to Yoshiko Tateishi Hodge, whom he married on September 3, 1960, in Tokyo, Japan. They were blessed with two children, Tim Hodge (Dena) and Ron Hodge (Tanja), and five grandchildren: Austin, Samuel, Hannah, Will, and Sophia. His family brought him immense pride and happiness.
Billy’s journey through life took him to various corners of the world, including North Carolina, California, Maine, Japan, Virginia, Washington D.C., and The Congo in Africa. Despite these travels, he always cherished his roots and the values instilled in him during his childhood in Rutherford County.
He is preceded in death by his parents, Ed Hodge Sr. and Ruth Brooks Hodge, his sister Patsy Hodge, and his brothers Ed Hodge Jr. and Hoyt Hodge. He leaves behind a legacy of love, dedication, and service that will be remembered by his surviving family and friends.
A service to celebrate Billy’s remarkable life will be held on Friday, June 28th, 2024, at 10 am at the Albert G. Horton, Jr. Memorial Veterans Cemetery, located at 5310 Milners Road, Suffolk, VA 23434.
Billy Dean Hodge’s life was a testament to duty, honor, and love. He will be deeply missed by all who knew him.
