William "Junior" Joseph Hodgson Jr.

   It is with heavy hearts that we announce the passing of our beloved husband, father, and grandfather, William "Junior" Joseph Hodgson, Jr., 69, on August 17, 2025, in Evansville, Indiana. He was born on November 5th, 1955, in Carmi, the son of William Joseph and Leota (Waddle) Hodgson Sr. of Grayville, IL.

   On May 20, 1978, Junior married the love of his life, Patricia (Robison) Hodgson and together they shared 47 years of marriage. The day Junior turned 18, he answered his country’s call and proudly joined the United States Army. From November 1973 to November 1976, he was stationed in Fort Leonard Wood, Mo, to Fort Carson, Colorado, and his last 16 months, he was stationed in Mannheim, Germany, serving as a mechanic. Junior was so very proud to be a Veteran and was able to participate and attend the Snap On Tools Honor Flight with other proud veterans to Washington, D.C.

   Following his time in the service, he started working at Snap-On Tools in Mt. Carmel, IL for 27 years, until the plant closed. Then, Jr. worked at New Harmony Healthcare as a Maintenance Supervisor. He was deeply rooted in his faith and a devoted member of the Carmi Church of the Nazarene. He was a member of the Patriot Riders of Chapter 1, helping Veterans in need. Junior devoted the rest of his spare time with his grandchildren and was a devoted family man whose greatest joy was found in the love he shared with his wife, children, and grandchildren. His kindness, steady guidance, and support shaped the lives of all who knew him and loved him. Junior loved and loved deeply. He was always willing to help others. It’s just who Junior was. Junior had a wonderful sense of humor, always cracking jokes and lit up the room with his infectious smile. He sang "Daddy's Hands" to his girls throughout the years and went to be with his Lord and Savior listening to his favorite song, Vince Gill's "Go Rest High On That Mountain". Though our hearts are broken, we find comfort in knowing his legacy of love and family will live on through those he leaves behind. 

   Junior leaves behind his loving wife of 47 years, Patricia Hodgson, his children, Melissa (Darrin) Lingafelter of Carmi, IL and Ashley (Charles) McDonald of Robinson, IL; his cherished grandchildren who lovingly call him Papa, Kaden, Drew, Owen, Paisley, Violet, Carlie, and Jackson; siblings, Wilma Hodgson, Debbie Cullison, Kathy Wall, James (Kathleen) Watkins, Donald (Kathy) Watkins, and Charles (Theresa) Hodgson; brothers and sisters-in-law, Stan (Christine) Robison, David (Cinde) Robison, and Minor Akers; special friends, Tony (Barb) Walters and Steve (Toni) Boren; and several nieces and nephews. He is preceded in death by his parents, siblings, Jewel Higginson, Francis Akers, Bobby Hodgson, Onie Hurt, and Carl Hodgson; his father and mother-in-law, Malcolm and Betty Robison; a sister-in-law, Lisa Kesler; and brother-in-laws, Charlie Wall Sr. and Glenn Higginson.

   A time of visitation for William “Junior” Hodgson will be held from 10:00 am-12:00 p.m. on Friday, August 22, 2025, at Campbell Funeral Home. The celebration of life will begin at 12:00 p.m. on Friday, August 22, 2025. Burial will follow at Centerville Cemetery with full military honors. In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to Campbell Funeral Home to assist the family with expenses. Donations may also be mailed to 609 W. Main St., Carmi, Illinois, 62821 or by Venmo, @jordanfuneralgroup.