Gary Hodge

 

Gary Hodge, age 67, of Butler, Tennessee, moved to his heavenly home Thursday, October 5, 2023 from the Johnson City Medical Center after a brief battle with cancer.

 

Gary was born on July 25, 1956 in Carter County, TN to the late Earl and Hassie Holder Hodge. In addition to his parents he was preceded in death by his sisters, Linda and Imogene; brother, Larry; infant grandson, Jarrod; and the mother of his children, Becky Hodge.

 

Gary was a 1975 graduate of Happy Valley High School and he retired from Tennessee Department of Corrections after 31 years of service. He was a member of Zion Baptist Church in Elizabethton, TN and loved his church and church family. Gary loved being outside raising his garden, taking care of his cows and keeping his yard beautiful. Gary loved his family and spending time with his grandchildren, having family dinners and listening to Gospel music.

 

Those left to cherish his memories include his wife, Tina of the home; son, Brian Hodge (Melissa) of Johnson City, TN; daughter, Ashley Hodge and Travis Andrews of Bristol, VA; sisters, Earlene Ellis (Kermit) of Jonesborough, TN; Mary Hembree (Don) of Johnson City, TN; Louise Phillips (Steve) of Elizabethton, TN; brother, Terry Hodge (Lesa) of Elizabethton, TN; granddaughter Emma of the home who is more of a daughter, Stephanie McDaniel (Dakota) who he loved as no other of Elizabethton, TN; grandson, Gage Bennett and fiancé Cadence whom he was so very proud of; granddaughters, Haley, Alissa, Hannah Hodge and Bella Andrews; grandson, who is his hero Camden Andrews; great grandchildren, Lily and Zailynn; several nieces and nephews also survive as well as his father-in-law, JR Bunton, and special cousins,  Bruce Hall and Janice Garrison.

 

The family will receive friends from 5:00–7:00 p.m. on Tuesday, October 10, 2023 at Zion Baptist Church (1982 Gap Creek Rd. Elizabethton, TN) or at other times at the home. A celebration of life service will follow at 7:00 p.m. with Rev. Caleb King and Dr. Alan King officiating. Graveside service and burial will be on Wednesday, October 11, 2023 at Lyons Family Cemetery at 11:00 a.m. Pallbearers will be Gage Bennett, Mark Hembree, Don Hembree, Jr., Dakota McDaniel, Billy Bunton, Willie McVey, Bruce Hall and Rick Ingram

 

Special thank you to Dr. Alan King and the 2300 nurses at Johnson City Medical Center ICU, especially Christina, Sarah and Dina.

 

Condolences may be sent to the family through our website at www.mountaincityfh.com.

 

The family of Gary Hodge has entrusted his services to Mountain City Funeral Home, 224 S. Church Street, Mountain City, TN 37683.