Junior Jefferson Hodges

1931 - 2025

Junior Jefferson Hodges

August 10, 1931 - November 1, 2025

Junior Jefferson Hodges, age 94 of Rocky Mount passed away on Saturday, November 1, 2025.

He was born on August 10, 1931, a son of the late Charlie and Lucy Hodges. He was preceded in death by his wives, Vernell Moran Hodges and Peggy Toney Hodges; his brothers and sisters, Eunice Altis, Edgar Hodges, Elizabeth Overstreet, Rachel Via, Clyde Hodges, William Hodges, Dorothy Walker, Nadine King, Loretta Prillaman, Walter Hodges, Jackie Hodges and Johnny Hodges; and a grandson, Ben Hutto. He is survived by his sister, Margie Freeman; and sister-in-law, Martha Hodges; and many nieces and nephews.

Junior was also survived by his daughters, Sylvia (Chuck) Hutto, Vicki Hodges, Debra (Steve) Arthur, Carol Gibson, Sheila (Warren) Kriesel, and Beth (Richard) Wilkes; his stepdaughter, Linda (Ben) Ginther; his grandchildren, Lindsay (Kevin) Hurt, Cameron Hutto, Tamara (Broaddus) Palmer, Amy Gibson, Thomas (Christina) Gibson, Fred Kriesel, Craig (Taylor) Kriesel, Maria (Willy) Reese, Crafton (Sarah) Wilkes, Ashley (Erika) Wilkes and Turner Wilkes; his step-grandchildren, Brian (Jessica) Arthur, Christina (Travis) Hale, Michael (Casey) Beeghly and Haley Ginther; his great-grandchildren, Nora and Lillian Hurt, Susie Hutto, MaKai and MaKynzie Palmer, Will, Zach, Rosalie, Kiyah, Evelyn and Lucas Gibson, Felicity, Coen, Sofia and Mina Wilkes, Aiden and Abby Arthur and Emma, Carter and Wyatt Beeghly.

Junior proudly served in the army during the Korean War. After returning home he was employed for many years by Firestone Tire and ended his career at Mod-U-Kraf Homes. He had a very strong work ethic and with Vernell by his side, they built their home. He could tell you there were 1326 cinder blocks in the foundation. He instilled that work ethic in his girls and expected them to work at whatever project he was doing. He grew up watching his father build furniture and continued that tradition in his retirement years. He was very good at his craft and many people enjoy the pieces he either built or refinished for them. He made all the girls in the family a blanket chest and all the boys' shelves, plus many other pieces upon request. He will be missed but his legacy will live on through the beautiful woodworking he did for so many.

The family would like to thank his wonderful caregivers, Donna Guilliams and Sharon Tyree and all those associated with Hospice locally who helped care for him.

Funeral services will be conducted from Flora Funeral Chapel 11 a.m. Saturday, November 8, 2025 with Pastor Trevor Clatterbuck officiating. A military burial will follow in Mountain View Memorial Park. His family will receive friends one hour prior to the service.

In lieu of flowers donations can be made to Rocky Mount Baptist Church or Highland United Methodist Church.

Arrangements by Flora Funeral Service and Cremation Center, Rocky Mount.