Kernan R. Hodges

Kernan R. Hodges obituary, Jacksonville, FL

Kernan R. Hodges

Kernan Hodges Obituary

Published by Legacy on Jun. 14, 2022.
Kernan R. Hodges, 84, of Jacksonville passed away peacefully at her home on June 12, 2022. A native of Franklin, Tennessee and lifelong equine enthusiast, by her teenage years, she was already widely known for her equestrian expertise. She was a founding member of the Middle Tennessee Pony Club, the first such club chartered by the United States Pony Club, where she was the first member in the United States to earn an "A" rating. Later, after studying equitation at Southern Seminary in Buena Vista, Virginia, she returned to Nashville to complete her education at Peabody Teacher's College. In 1962, she moved to Jacksonville to accept a job managing the newly-established Deerwood Riding & Hunt Club, where she worked until shortly after her marriage to George H. Hodges, Jr. three years later.
In 1966, Kernan and George founded the aptly-named Deep Forest Stables, Inc. located in the heart of the Hodges family's 5,000 acre timberland property on the south side of Jacksonville where she personally directed the raising, training and boarding of Hunter-Jumpers. There, Kernan's down-to-earth personality and countenance of a Southern matron were evident alongside her willingness to do the physical labor necessary for the wellbeing of her horses and the land she lived on.
In 1968, she helped establish the North Florida Hunter-Jumper Association and thereafter served on its Board of Directors for near fifty years. She was an "A" rated judge, Life Member of the American Horse Shows Association, and a member of the Thoroughbred Owners & Breeders Association and the United States Equestrian Team.
Anyone who knew Kernan quickly came to accept her complete and never-ending devotion to husband George, and in their 54 years of marriage, they never spent a night apart. Together, they traveled the Hunter-Jumper Horse Show circuit for a number of years, enjoyed various athletic activities and shared hands-on management of the family holdings in Florida and across the country. As an active business partner with George, she served as a corporate officer and Director of Hodges Blvd. Development Group, Inc., Glen Kernan Realty, Inc., Excel Air, Inc., Fox Air, Inc. and various other enterprises.
Through the years, Kernan and George continued the Hodges family's philanthropic support of numerous benevolent and educational organizations, including among others, Mayo Clinic, Jacksonville University and the University of North Florida, The Bolles School, Children's Home Society and Hodges Boulevard Presbyterian Church. In 2016, they were named to the UNF Athletics Department's Hall of Fame for their contribution and development of the Hodges Track & Field Stadium and the Browning Rehab Center located at the stadium.
In addition to her husband George, she was preceded in death by her parents, Clair D. and Elizabeth Faw Regen, and sister Betty Claire Regen (ABe) Cathey, all of Franklin, Tennessee. She is survived by a nephew, John Regen (Leia) Cathey of Jacksonville, and niece Carrie Elizabeth Melson of Franklin, Tennessee, in addition to a great niece and nephew and numerous cousins.
A private funeral service and internment will be held at the family mausoleum with Rev. Thomas Borland officiating. Honorary pallbearers are Leonard L. Abess, Lloyd E. "Gene" Barton, Jr., Dr. A.W. "Buster" Browning, Jr., Gen. Douglas Burnett, Michael W. Garrett, Phillip W. Gibson, Paul M. Harden, John H. "Johnny" Randolph and Thomas C. Rorrer.
In lieu of flowers, gifts can be made to Hodges Boulevard Presbyterian Church or Community Hospice of Jacksonville.

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Sign Kernan Hodges's Guest Book

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July 28, 2022

Harold Mills posted to the memorial.

July 28, 2022

Harold Mills posted to the memorial.

July 28, 2022

Harold Mills posted to the memorial.

Harold Mills

July 28, 2022

Harold Mills

July 28, 2022

Harold Mills

July 28, 2022

Harold Mills

July 28, 2022

TPC Captain Hole 3. She and George were a fixture for years at our hole. She often beat me to the hole in the morning and would give me what for. Special person she was. And she treated us Special too. She would say you boys need to come play my course. We will miss her. Was sorry to hear the news. May she rest in peace.

Bubba Bryan

June 18, 2022

Kernan was a beautiful lady . I worked for her at Deep Forest Stable and she was so kind and generous. She will be missed

Matthew Stutz

June 17, 2022

I had the pleasure of working at Glen Kernan Golf & Country Club for many years. George and Kernan were two of the nicest people. They gave me a job along with Jerry Monley when I needed one. George and Kernan, thank you for all you did for me, others and Jacksonville Fl. Thank you.

Linda Bledsoe

June 17, 2022

I will surely miss Kernan“s laugh. She always made me smile. She made my life better by knowing her.

Bob Bell

June 15, 2022

Kernan was a very dear friend. I will miss her greatly. I will miss our "lunches" and wonderful conversations. I will miss her.

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Hardage-Giddens Oaklawn Chapel - Jacksonville

4801 San Jose Blvd, Jacksonville, FL 32207

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July 28, 2022

Harold Mills posted to the memorial.

July 28, 2022

Harold Mills posted to the memorial.

July 28, 2022

Harold Mills posted to the memorial.