Deacon John E. Hodge

Services will be held for Deacon John Ed Hodge age 97, of Gary, who peacefully departed this life on Tuesday, June 26, 2018 at Golden Harvest in Welch. He was born March 2, 1921 in Henry County, VA and the third child of the late Elias and Lucy J. Gravely Hodge.  He was educated in Henry County and followed his older brothers to West Virginia seeking employment in the prosperous coal fields of McDowell County.  He worked at US Steel  until his work was interrupted during WW II., when he was drafted into the US Army.  After completing his military duties, he resumed employment with US Steel, where he retired after 40 years of being employed.  John Ed accepted Jesus as his Savior, while attending Moral Hill Missionary Baptist Church.  Upon relocating, he became an active member of Mt. Pleasant Baptist Church in Filbert before joining Rock Hill Missionary Baptist Church in Gary.  John served in many leadership roles at both churches.  He was an ordained deacon, church treasurer, Sunday School teacher and superintendent.  John was also committed to multiple church associations,including  Flat Top Missionary Baptist Association and Flat Top Deacon's Union.  In 2004, John was honored as President Emeritus of the Flat Top Christian Education Association at a program entitled, "The Steps of a Good Man."  John served many years as a member of the Tug River Health Clinic Board of Directors and a member of the F.&AM Masonic Lodge.  He enjoyed reading his Bible and was an avid viewer of CNN.  In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his wife, Nancy and brothers: Charles, Rev. Ulysses and James Hodge; his sisters, Frankie Moore and Gloria Turner.  John is survived by his sisters:  Annie Hairston of Axton, VA, Nancy Mays and Rita Hairston both of Martinsville, VA; a host of nephews, nieces and friends; which includes care givers:  the late Willie B. Jones, Rev. :Larry Hairston,  Darryl Hairston  and Mary and Roscoe Hamilton all of Gary.   Service will be held at 12:00 p.m., on Saturday, June 30, 2018 at Rock Hill Missionary Baptist Church in Gary, with the Rev. Larry Hairston officiant, Apostle Roger Walton, eulogist, assisted by the Rev Edwin Ogburn.  Entombment will follow in Restlawn Mausoleum 6605 New Hope Road in Bluewell.  Family and friends will serve as both pallbearers and floral bearers.  Visitation will begin at 11:00 a.m.      

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