Ronald Hodson

Ronald G. Hodson 1941-2025
Apex, NC

Ronald "Ron" Gene Hodson, a pioneer of the aquaculture industry and an internationally respected researcher, passed away on February 17, 2025, leaving behind a legacy of excellence in leadership, personal resilience, and an unwavering dedication to family, friends, and community.

Early Life

Born on May 16, 1941, Ron's journey in fisheries and aquaculture began on his family's farm in Trotwood, Ohio, where he learned the value of hard work, cooperation, and determination alongside his three brothers-Michael, Lynn, and Dennis-and his younger sister, Karen. Excelling in both academics and athletics (voted "Most Athletic" in his senior class in 1959), he went on to play basketball at Wilmington College until a ruptured Achilles tendon led him to transfer to Manchester College, where he earned his Bachelor's degree. Encouraged by a mentor to further his education, Ron earned his Master's at the University of Arkansas and his Doctorate from Texas A&M University, setting the stage for a career defined by passion and perseverance.

Career

Shortly after completing his graduate studies in 1973, Ron accepted a research position with North Carolina Sea Grant at NC State University. Over the years, his roles expanded from managing research programs to leading the statewide initiative for nine years-culminating in his retirement in 2006 as revered director of North Carolina Sea Grant and faculty member in the Department of Zoology at NC State University. Known for his "no-nonsense" work ethic and belief that cooperation is the key to success, Ron's approach included a commitment to mentorship by involving students and post-doctoral researchers in crafting solutions and as he would famously say, "hiring good people and getting out of their way."

Ron believed that scientific discoveries held true value only when they could be effectively applied by farmers, and his willingness to roll up his sleeves and work side-by-side with farmers earned him the unwavering trust and admiration of those around him. His straightforward and practical nature led countless public officials, from governors and legislators to agency heads and members of Congress to seek his views on how science could better serve North Carolina. A visionary in striped bass production, Ron was instrumental in establishing and expanding the commercial hybrid striped bass aquaculture industry in North Carolina-a contribution that transformed the state's seafood markets and bolstered economic development in rural communities, leading to adoption across the nation. Ron's career achievements earned him many awards, among them The Order of the Long Leaf Pine, issued by the Governor of North Carolina and considered to be the state's highest honor. Ron's dedication to the agricultural, academic, and personal communities he was a member of was strengthened by both success and tragedy.

Life Changes

A 1999 plane crash claimed the life of his first wife, Ruthie, and left Ron ultimately reliant on a wheelchair. Despite the profound loss and physical challenges, Ron continued to prove that true leadership knows no bounds. Even into his retirement years, Ron remained a sought-after voice in aquaculture and often spent days at the Pamlico Aquaculture Field Laboratory (Aurora, NC) visiting with local growers and offering his counsel and expertise to the students who continue to be trained there today. Ron's close personal relationships also demonstrate his generous and resilient spirit, as he continued to actively participate in special outings with fellow birders and help neighbors with projects on their acreage. He never let his physical disabilities stop him…ever.

Family Life

Beyond his professional achievements, Ron found his greatest joy in farm life and time with his family. Ron was blessed with a second chance at love when he met Kay through a mutual friend. From the moment they met, he cherished his time with her, often saying his favorite sight was seeing her smile and never missing a chance to remind her how beautiful she was. Together, they enjoyed 23 wonderful years on their farm, finding joy in the simple moments-sharing morning coffee, talking about their day, watching birds on their many feeders, and even planning what was for dinner that night. Their relationship was built on mutual respect, companionship, and a shared enjoyment of life's simple moments.

Ron loved his rural home in Apex, where he enjoyed a close relationship with his son, Todd, who lived nearby. He also welcomed his bonus daughters, Tricia and Kristi, and loved them as his own. He built a thriving farm filled with a hybrid striped bass pond, a catfish pond, and a huge garden that his kids and grandkids helped plant each April and harvest throughout the summer. His farm was alive with chickens, guineas, peacocks, goats, pigeons, beehives, and several beloved dogs-but none more special than his girl Pidge, a Pitbull/Plott Hound mix, who was always by his side, from riding along on his 4-wheeler to stretching across his lap for an afternoon nap.

Traditions

Ron loved sharing his knowledge and skills with anyone who wanted to join in on the work. Whether it was juicing and canning tomatoes, trimming goat hooves, properly washing eggs and snapping green beans, or patiently baiting hooks for his grandkids as they fished for hours, piling the catch on ice until it was time for cleaning-always ending with a great fish fry. The list of skills and wisdom he shared was endless, covering everything from the perfect cast-iron skillet cornbread to sharpening knives, identifying birds, and baking a tart homemade cherry pie. He was a teacher in every sense, but most of all, he loved seeing his family thrive. Ron and Kay even built a playground by the "big pond" for the little ones in the family, complete with swings and a slide, a sandbox, and of course a fire pit for countless afternoons of hot dog roasts and s'mores. Many traditions, including Easter Sunday lunches, along with egg coloring and the competitive Easter egg hunt, will be treasured for many years to come.

Memories

When asked about their favorite memories with Pap/Grandpa on the farm, the grandkids eagerly recalled countless adventures-racing down the mile-long driveway on the 4-wheeler, feeding and cuddling baby goats, collecting eggs from the chickens, learning about animal anatomy, watering the garden, setting up for hunting season, and sitting on the deck talking about anything and everything. They remember planting tomatoes in the spring, making pancakes with Pap in the kitchen, eating lots of vanilla ice cream (lots!), and sleepovers filled with storytelling and laughter. Other favorite moments included running with the dogs, listening to Ron read children's books about fish, herding the goats into their stalls for the night, trying to count the ever-growing flock of pigeons, and feeding the fish in the ponds. The list could go on forever, a testament to the incredible time they shared and the lasting impact he had on their lives.

Ron was decisive and straightforward, you always got the truth, whether you liked it or not. But you also knew he had your best interest at heart. He was a constant source of encouragement, support, and wisdom, consistently willing to do whatever was necessary to help his loved ones succeed.

Ron answered to many names…Darlin', Dad, Pap, Grandpa, Pappy, Doctor, etc., and all of us who love him are missing him terribly. We will honor his life well-lived by focusing on the joy we had and the love we shared. We know that's what he'd want us to do.

Family

The blended family Ron and Kay created together was rich with love and the warmth of grandchildren and great-grandchildren. Ron is survived by his beloved wife, Kay; his son,Todd Hodson, and wife, Nohemi; his daughter, Kristi Turner, and husband, Chris; cherished grandchildren, Chelsea, Katie, Emily, Will, Matt, Kara and Dennis; great-grandchildren, Jasmine, Rya and Neo; his brothers Mike, Lynn (Pat), Dennis (Carma Jeanne), and his sister Karen Stumpf (Harold). Ron was preceded in death by his first wife, Ruthie; his parents, Harold and Alberta; his daughter, Tricia Griffin; and his sister-in-law, Barbara.

Celebrating his Life and Legacy

Ronald Gene Hodson's lifelong contributions to aquaculture and coastal research have left an indelible mark on the industry and on the many lives he touched. He will be remembered not only for his groundbreaking scientific achievements but also for his steadfast character and his unwavering commitment to mentorship, collaboration, and community.

Ron's wishes were for no formal funeral. In honoring Ron's memory, friends, colleagues, and family are encouraged to celebrate a life lived with purpose, perseverance, and passion.

In lieu of flowers, the family asks that you consider making a memorial donation in support of the Pamlico Aquaculture Field Lab (Aurora, NC) research activities, of which Ron was so passionate. Your donation would help support students, research, and outreach activities that continue to build on the work Ron began in Aurora many years ago. This can be done online at go.ncsu.edu/ronhodson After making a donation please select "in memory of" and then enter "Ron Hodson" as the honoree. Donations are also accepted by check to the NC Agricultural Foundation, Campus Box 7645, NCSU, Raleigh, NC 27695-7645 with "Ron Hodson" in the memo line.

Learn more about his career with NC Sea Grant in a story from Coastwatch: go.ncsu.edu/Ron