Claude Hodges

Claude Hodges, Jr. - SAVANNAH - Claude Hodges, Jr., 92, went to his heavenly home on Saturday May 11, 2013, under the care of Hospice Savannah. He was surrounded by his loving family. He was born on January 21, 1921 in Newington, Georgia, to Claude Sr. and Sadie Hodges and was the fifth of seven children growing up on his family's farm. He graduated from Newington High School and enlisted in the United States Army Air Force in 1942. He served in the South Pacific Theatre until the end of the war and was always generous to share stories of his war experience with his grandchildren. After the war, he used the G.I. Bill to apprentice with the CPA firm of Donald Stewart. That firm later evolved into Hancock, Mazo, and Askew. In 1972, Mr. Hodges formed a new firm with Leon Proper and Donald James, Sr. and he remained in active practice until 1990. He was an Emeritus member of the Georgia Society of CPAs. He was a member of the Garden City Lion's Club and served as city councilman for Garden City from 1973-1977. Being a farmer at heart, until his health declined, he always had a large garden. He loved to work in his garden and until very recently did all of his own yard work. He had an extremely strong work ethic and enjoyed taking care of everything and everyone. His strength of character was evident in his everyday life as well as more difficult times. He was a member of the First Baptist Church of Garden City for over 60 years and dearly loved the church and all the members. He was very active in the church during that time and held many positions such as Chairman of the Board of Deacons, Sunday School Superintendant, and many other positions. He is survived by his wife of sixty- seven years, Virginia Jones Hodges, and three children and their spouses: Marie Casper (Rick), Lawrence (Debbie) of Alpharetta, GA, and Ginger Jory (Doug)of Lilburn, GA. He is also survived by six grandchildren that he loved dearly: Eric Casper, Brooks Casper (Allison), Drew Casper, Matthew Hodges (Jenn), Katherine Jory and Sarah Jory. He is also survived by his siblings, Harry Hodges of Sylvania, GA, and Dean Cannon, Savannah, GA. He spent his life taking care of others, especially his family, and he will be greatly missed. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to the First Baptist Church of Garden City, 35 Nelson Avenue, Garden City, GA, 31408. Visitation will be held one hour prior to the funeral on Tuesday, May 14, 2013, at Strickland Funeral Home in Pooler, GA, at 10:00 am with the funeral at 11:00 am. Burial will immediately follow the funeral at Hillcrest Abbey West on Dean Forest Road. Thomas C. Strickland & Sons Funeral Homes West Chatham Chapel 901 W. Hwy 80, Pooler, GA 31322 912-748-2444 Savannah Morning News May 14, 2013 Please sign our Obituary Guest Book at savannahnow.com/obituaries.