Edgar Wadsworth HODGES

HODGES, Edgar Wadsworth Age 80, Born February 23, 1930 in LaGrange, NC to Eva Mae and Enoch Hodges. Edgar passed peacefully at home February 16, 2010, attended by his devoted wife of 53 years, Sarah Blanche Hodges. He is survived by his son, Warner E. Hodges (Deborah and their children, Brock, Chauncey and Emelia); granddaughter, Molly Sara Price; his siblings, Sally (Rudolph) Cashwell, John Hodges and Lora Ware; sister-in-law, Rachel Johnson and brother-in-law, Jerry (Elizabeth) Sweatt; numerous nieces and nephews, and many, many adored friends. He was preceded in passing by his sons, Gerald Dwayne Price and Glen Alan Hodges. Ed worked for Ford Motor Company, Norfolk, VA before being drafted into service March 1951, Ft. Meade, MD, basic training in Camp Breckinridge, KY. He was Troop shipped to Europe (Sonthofen, Germany), where he achieved rank of Corporal. March 1953, he separated from the Army and immediately joined the Army Reserve of Norfolk, VA, where he found a need to be back in the field, he re-entered the Army as Sergeant in August 1955 and was transferred to Ft. Benning, GA, where he met his beloved wife Blanche. Between 1958 and his retirement from the Army in October 1973, he was assigned 3 Tours of Duty in Germany, Korea, 2 in Vietnam, Santa Domingo, and the Panama Canal Zone. During his military career he and wife Blanche formed a band "Swingin Strings", winning a contract to tour military bases for Special Services, entertaining the troops as opening act for such well known's as Johnny Cash, Archy Campbell, Lefty Frizzell, Bobby Bare, Faron Young and Porter Wagoner. After retiring from the Army as Chief Warrant Officer 2 in October 1973, Ed and his family settled in Nashville to carry on their love of playing country music and began teaching at NADC. He received his BS from the University of Tennessee in 1981 and his Master of Science in Industrial Education in 1985. Ed received the Outstanding Technical Instructor Award of 1982 from the State of Virginia Private Schools Association. He also received eight top instructor awards from NADC and the Outstanding Instructor of the Year award from NADC in 1980, 1981, 1982 and 1984. Ed retired from NADC, Education Coordinator in 2000 to indulge in his love of gardening and music. Ed was whole heartedly devoted to his family, home, work and music. He will be sincerely missed by his family, and the many that were fortunate their lives were touched by him. Ed was exceedingly supportive and influential of his son, Warner's music career, notably "Jason and the Scorchers." Ed's family would like to express their sincere appreciation to the amazing staff at Odyssey Health Services (Hospice) for their loving care. Funeral services will be conducted on Thursday, February 18th at 9 a.m., at West Harpeth Funeral Home. Interment will follow in Middle Tennessee Veterans Cemetery. Visitation will be on Wednesday from 4-8 p.m. at WEST HARPETH FUNERAL HOME, 6962 Charlotte Pike, (615) 352-9400; www.harpethhills.com