Norris Cecil Hodge Jr.

Retired US Army and Arkansas National Guard Sergeant First Class Norris Cecil Hodge, Jr., of Marianna, Arkansas passed from this life on May 23, 2012 in Helena, Arkansas at age 75. Norris was born August 3, 1936 in Memphis, Tennessee to the late Dr. Norris C. Hodge, Sr. and Gladys Louise Chaffin Hodge Ledbetter. He attended Marianna School eleven years; and graduated from Benton High School. He attended Arkansas A&M College in Monticello, where he was a member of Phi Lambda Chi Fraternity. While in the Army, he received the Badge of Honor with V for Valor, the United States-Republic of China Mutual Defense Commemorative Badge, and the 823 Artillery Battle Commemorative Badge. He was Post Commander of Post #5 of the Julius Benham American Legion. He was Charter Commander of Post 4449 Elmer Bradshaw VFW. Norris was always very involved in civic and community organizations. He was past President of the Jaycees, Lions and Rotary Clubs of Marianna, Little League. He was Baseball Commissioner for many years. He was a Charter member of the Mariana Airport Commission, member of State and National Funeral Directors Associations, member of the Board of Directors of the Arkansas County Clerks' Association and was an Executive Director of the Association of Counties of Arkansas. He was former Secretary-Treasurer of the Lee County Recreation Commission, the 101st Airborne Association, and the 2/71 Missile Battalion Association. He was a former Volunteer Firefighter with the Marianna Fire Department; and a former Emergency Medical Technician. He was also a member of First Christian Church, attending whenever he was able. Norris is survived by one son, Eric Conner of Tennelle, Ga.; daughters Kathy Hodge of Washougal, Wash.; Kelli Hodge of Marianna, Ark.; Dawn Mounts of Dover, Tenn.; and Lisa Beitel of Jacksboro, Texas; grandsons, Josh Coverdale of the US Marines; Drew Coverdale of Lacey, Wash.; Brit Coverdale of Portland, Ore.; and Brandon Barrett of Nashville, Tenn.; granddaughter Ashley Beitel of Jacksboro, Texas; one brother, Curtis D. Hodge of Albuquerque, N.M.; one sister, Neena Ledbetter of Memphis, Tenn.; special family friend, Francile Cooper; several nephews and nieces; many friends; and a menagerie of animals. He was preceded in death by his parents; his beloved wife, Beth Wright Hodge on March 6, 2012; and his son, Norris C. Hodge III on August 28, 1956. Services will be held at 2 p.m., Friday, May 25 at First Christian Church in Marianna, followed by burial in Marianna Memorial Park. Visitation will also be at the Church, from 10 a.m. to noon on Friday. Online guestbook www.rollerfuneralhomes.com.