RICHARD HODGE

HODGE, RICHARD

Richard Deane Hodge, 84, passed away on January 13, 2010 at Haven Hospice in Gainesville. Deane was born in Carrollton, GA on March 8, 1925, and raised in Hialeah, FL. He enlisted in the U.S. Air Corps on his 18th birthday. After completing Officer's Training School in Biloxi, MS, he was transferred to the China-Burma-India (CBI) theater where he served as 1st Lieutenant Bombardier and Navigator on a B-24 Liberator until the end of WW II.

Deane returned home as a decorated WW II veteran and earned a B.S. in Mechanical Engineering at the University of Florida in 1949. He began a successful 33-year career with Southern Bell in Jacksonville, FL, retiring as District Plant Manager. In 1950, Deane married the love of his life, Marjorie Cooper, and after residing 17 years in Jacksonville, he and his family relocated to Gainesville in 1967.

After retirement, Deane worked for 10 years as Business Administrator and Building Committee Chairman at Trinity United Methodist Church in Gainesville. His efforts were instrumental in building the foundation for Trinity's membership and its later expansion to larger facilities. He enjoyed many years as a community service volunteer, participating in numerous service projects with the Telephone Pioneers, delivering Meals on Wheels, and coordinating the annual Ridgewood luminary event. In addition to the Hump Pilots organization, Deane was very active in his local and state CBI veterans' groups, holding many offices, and twice serving as Florida's State Commander.

He was an avid Gator fan and enjoyed playing golf, but most of all loved his family. Deane is survived by his beloved wife of 59 years, Marjorie, and loving daughters Cheri Hodge, Carol Hodge Lie, Oslo, Norway (Geir, and their children Anne Christine and Thomas), and Colleen Hodge (Stephen Neck).

A memorial service will be held 11:00 am, Friday, January 22, 2010 at Trinity United Methodist Church, 4000 NW 53rd Ave, Gainesville, FL. with Dr. Dan Johnson officiating. In lieu of flowers, the family would appreciate any donations to Haven Hospice, 4200 NW 90th Blvd., Gainesville, FL 32606.

Arrangements are under the care of WILLIAMS-THOMAS FUNERAL HOME DOWNTOWN 404 North Main Street.

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