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Madison Hodges Obituary

Madison Lee Hodges

TALLAHASSEE, FL - Madison Lee Hodges died on July 18, 2014, in Tallahassee, from cardiac arrest following lengthy treatment for a rare bone cancer. He was born on December 25, 1947 in Pine Bluff, AR, to the late Elsie Madison (McBurnett) and Norman L. Hodges, Sr. He was the grandson of the late Matthew and Janie (Byrd) McBurnett of Pine Bluff and the late Samuel and Emma (Haven) Hodges of Forrest City, AR. Madison is survived by his wife, Dr. Anne (Robinson) Hodges, son Matthew McBurnett Hodges and daughter Emma Stewart Hodges of Tallahassee. He is also survived by his brother, Dr. Norman L Hodges, Jr. of Little Rock, AR. Madison was a 1965 graduate of White Hall High School, Pine Bluff. He earned the M.A. degree from the University of Kentucky, the B.J. degree from the University of Missouri and the B.S.E. degree from the University of Arkansas. A lengthy career in radio began while in high school working for the legendary Buddy Deane at radio station KOTN in Pine Bluff. After college Madison was a reporter and weekend anchor at KTHV-TV in Little Rock. It was in Little Rock that Madison began his long association with Public Radio. He served as the general manager of university public radio stations at the University of Arkansas at Little Rock (UALR), Eastern Kentucky University and Florida State University. After these positions he worked for a number of years at National Public Radio (NPR) headquarters in Washington, DC as the project manager for the Public Telecommunications Facilities program (PTFP) and as NPR's Director of Policy and Station Services. He then served as Executive Director of University Station Alliance, a non -profit organization representing NPR-affiliated radio stations licensed to colleges and universities. From 2006 until his death, Madison was General Manager of WQCS-FM at Indian River State College (IRSC) in Ft. Pierce, FL. Madison served as the President of the University Station Alliance and for many years has been a member of the Executive Board of the Florida Public Broadcasting Service, Inc. He was also a U.S. Army veteran. A memorial service will be held at 10:30 a.m. on Saturday, July 26, 2014 at Christ Presbyterian Church, 2317 Bannerman Road, Tallahassee. Madison's cousin, the Rev. Searcy D. McBurnett, of Little Rock, will assist at the service. If considered, the family requests any donations be made to public radio station WQCS-FM, IRSC, Ft. Pierce, FL; public radio stations KLRE/KUAR-FM, UALR, Little Rock; the local public radio station of your choice or the American Cancer Society. The family wishes to express deep appreciation to Madison's colleagues at IRSC and his Florida Cancer Specialist team for their incredible support this past year. The family will be at their home at 158 Meadow Ridge Dr., Tallahassee, FL 32312.

To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.

Published by Tallahassee Democrat on Jul. 21, 2014.

Memories and Condolences
for Madison Hodges

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Brian Dampier

August 12, 2014

Farewell my friend and colleague. I'll never be able to replace you in my life. From Columbia, MO to Little Rock to Kentucky to visits in Chicago, Florida, and DC. We shared so many good times together. Thank you! Thank you! I can't imagine a world without you.

Jon Hill

July 30, 2014

Madison's passion was broadcasting and he found public broadcasting a perfect fit. This was public broadcasting's gain. I can remember getting a call from him during a pledge break letting Beth Switzer & I know he had seen us cutting up! He was laughing. I really liked Madison and held him in such high regard. So long, buddy.

Judy Ruffin Schneider

July 29, 2014

I knew Madison all through school in White Hall. I felt strongly that his amazing voice and intelligence would take him far. After reading the obit, I see I wasn't wrong. My sympathies to all the family.

Mac Wall

July 27, 2014

Generous, witty, passionate about our industry and a great friend. What more can I say...

Beth Switzer

July 25, 2014

Though I haven't worked directly with Madison for many years, I will never forget him as he had profound impact on my life. He gave me opportunities that helped and "forced" me to grow as a person and professional and I will always be grateful for the lessons he taught me. One seemingly small thing that will ALWAYS be with me: you don't call a production a "show" but call it a "program" ... a show was, after all, was something produced strictly for entertainment, not valuable information ... and, while at WFSU, Madison wanted, and encouraged us to produce meaningful PROGRAMS. To this day, I hold that concept close and try to live by its direction.
Anne, Matthew and Emma, I am so very sorry for your loss. I hope, with all my heart, that you will find comfort in your memories and the knowledge that he was so very proud of all of you and loved you very much. He will be missed.

Gerald Wilcox

July 24, 2014

I currently work at WQCS NPR for Treasure Coast Fort Pierce, Fl. where Madison served as GM until his passing. I can truly say that after over 3 decades in the workplace he has been the best manager I have had the pleasure of working with. Madison was thoughtful, considerate and managed the station with a steady hand. My condolences to his family. It is a joy to know him.

Marie Mitchell

July 24, 2014

I am forever indebted to Madison for hiring me as News Director at WEKU-FM in Richmond, KY. He patiently guided me through the transition from commercial radio to the incredible world of public radio. He was always approachable, steadfastly supportive and a marvelous mentor. I've tried to pay forward those remarkable qualities during my journalistic career.

Ed Subkis

July 23, 2014

Madison was my mentor, colleague and friend for 28 years. It was my privilege to know him and work together on many projects. His impact on public radio will continue and his loss will be felt by many - those who had the honor to know and work with him personally as well as the many individuals who never knew him but will continue to benefit from his life's work in public radio.

Scott Hanley

July 23, 2014

I had the privilege of knowing Madison Hodges as a colleague, mentor and friend for more than 20 years. If you have listened to public radio, Madison has been an influence for good in your life, by the people he hired and trained, the policies he shaped and explained, and how he lived his life as a broadcaster and gentleman.

Madison's concept of service and responsibility was joined with the joy of being a part of something valuable - to make the world a better place.

My sympathies to Anne and the rest of the family, and the public broadcasting family which needs more leaders to follow Madison's path.

Terry Rensel

July 23, 2014

Early in my career I was at one of the "at risk" stations that Madison worked with. He was encouraging and generous with his time and advice, especially to a young PD, with little experience and lots of opinions. He always took the time for my questions, and made sure that I met everyone that he felt I should know. I wouldn't still be in public radio if it wasn't for him offering his guidance, advice, and knowledge over the years. He was an early mentor and friend. I was honored to know him. I am so sorry for your loss.

Bill Cameron

July 23, 2014

I have wonderful memories of Madison during High School in White Hall and while attending the U of A. I was finally able to catch up to Madison in a phone call recently and it was like old times. I will miss not being able to see Madison.

Carolyn Pierce

July 22, 2014

Madison and I went to school together, from grade school to high school, in White Hall, AR. He was a quiet gentlemen. My condolences to his family.

Patti Dodgen

July 21, 2014

Dale and I were fortunate to work with Madison for many years within the public broadcasting family. He was a thoughtful and insightful person, whose kindness and gentle humor were a pleasure. Our condolences to his family

Brian Sickora

July 21, 2014

My thoughts are with the family. I was honored to know Madison. He was a true gentleman.

Joyce Schreiber

July 21, 2014

Madison was my supervisor (twice) and my friend. He was as dedicated to public radio as anyone I have ever known. His focus and sense of humor were constants -- as were his commitment to his family, although he was always a private person. The world will not be the same without him.

JC Patrick

July 21, 2014

I've been lucky to call Madison my boss, my mentor and my friend since 1998, both at NPR and in life after NPR. He was a true Southern gentleman, proud of his family and honorable in his work. His quick wit and dry humor were a blessing. Sending prayers to Anne, his children and his family. It feels so inadequate to say that Madison will be missed. He left a large and far-reaching legacy.

David Brugger

July 21, 2014

Madison was a civilizing life force in all respects and far beyond public radio. I'm thankful that he was a part of my professional life.

Bridget Weir

July 21, 2014

Thinking of you and your family during this time.
Love, Michael and Bridget Weir

Rob Gordon

July 21, 2014

I was fortunate to have known Madison from the beginning our careers in public radio, most recently on the board of PMBA. In all those years Madison was unfailingly kind, smart, classy and always very funny. He added value to every organization he touched he will be sorely missed but fondly remembered.

Anthony Dean

July 21, 2014

I have known and respected Madison for over 20 years. His intellect, creativity, and genuine love for his family and the public media community are unmatched. My heartfelt condolences are extended to Madison's family. May God continue to bless his family.

Jocelyn Enriquez

July 21, 2014

Madison was a great friend to me while we served on the PMBA Board together. He was a lovely man.

Connie Walker

July 21, 2014

I really only got to know Madison the past few years but will always remember him as a class act.

Michele Peters

July 21, 2014

I thank god for allowing me to cross paths with this fine man. His friendship and leadership were paramount in my success and the success of WQCS. Sincere condolences and prayers. Madison will be greatly missed.

Jim Holmes

July 21, 2014

I considered Madison not only to be one of the finest broadcasters with whom I had the honor to work, but also a wonderful human being. When I decided to retire as the manager of WQCS, there was only one person I contacted and urged to apply for the position; Madison. I knew he had the intelligence and skills needed to take WQCS to the next level. I will be unable to attend the funeral Saturday due to other family obligations, but Madison and his family will be in my thoughts and prayers.

Caroline Austin

July 21, 2014

Your leadership, direction and insight were instrumental in making WFSU successful. Thank you.

Rick Lehner

July 21, 2014

I have wonderful memories of working with Madison for more than 25 years. He was a professional in all respects and a true friend...always encouraging and supportive. His humor and friendship will be missed.

Anneliesse Prahl

July 21, 2014

My sincere condolences for your loss. May the power of God's love walk you through this difficult moment. I will keep you all in my prayers and thoughts.

Joe Vincenza

July 21, 2014

Your wisdom and kindness will be missed by so many. Thank you for all you gave, and my condolences to friends and family.

Mike Morgan

July 20, 2014

My condolences. Madison was a friend and public radio colleague, who was always most helpful and supportive during my career in public broadcasting.

Jeffrey Dvorkin

July 20, 2014

I had the pleasure and the honour of working with Madison at NPR. He was a delightful colleague and a great public radio advocate. Thoughtful, humorous with a delightful appreciation of the best qualities of his fellow man. A true gentleman.

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To offer your sympathy during this difficult time, you can now have memorial trees planted in a National Forest in memory of your loved one.

Funeral services provided by:

Culley's MeadowWood Funeral Home & Memorial Park - Tallahassee

700 Timberlane Road, Tallahassee, FL 32312

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