Obituaries

R.E. Hodges

R.E. (Robert Edward) Hodges, 68, of Russellville, passed away Tuesday, September 1, 2015 at his home in Russellville. The son of Ruben Hodges and Margie Ophelia (McMickle) Hodges, he was born March 15,1947 in Forrest City, Arkansas. He was a graduate of Benton High School and Arkansas Tech University with a bachelor's degree in biology. He was an accomplished athlete, setting many records playing for the "Wonder Boys" He still holds the record for the most pass interceptions in a single season: 11 for ATU in 1968. From 1971-73 he worked as Associate Alumni Director for ATU. Until his retirement in 2013 he served as Director of Grants and Contracts for Area Agency on Aging of West Central Arkansas building and improving 15 senior activity centers across 10 counties and launching many innovative programs including Agency's Senior Companion Program and, along with Dr. Harvey Young, Arkansas' Senior Olympics in 1983. 36 years later he participated in this event winning a Gold Medal for cycling. He is a recipient of the Dr. Hilquit Lynch Memorial Award for meritorious service and achievement to senior adults in West Central Arkansas. He served over 20 years in the US Army Reserves, retiring with the rank of Lieutenant Colonel. He was currently serving on Pope County's Quorum Court, as Russellville Lions Club President elect and on the Governor's Council on Aging. Past service included Russellville's Planning Commission, Historic District Commission and Board of Adjustment, and as a board member of Big Brothers Big Sisters, River Valley United Way, ATU Foundation Board and ATU Alumni Board and founding board member of Help Network. R.E. was a member of the All Saints Episcopal Church and past member of the Vestry. Through the years he enjoyed quail hunting, motor cycling, golfing, road biking and target shooting. He was preceded in death by his parents. Survivors include his wife of 13 years, Suzanne Alford Hodges of Russellville; two daughters, Holly Mays and husband, Doug, and granddaughter, Lana LaBatt, all of Satellite Beach, Fla. and Amy Franz and husband, John of North East, Maryland; two step-daughters, Polly Beasley and husband, Scott and their children, Rhett and Zach, of Tulsa, Okla. and Rebecca Haas and husband, Jacob and their children, Michael and Henry, of Greeneville, Tenn.; a sister, Sue Baker and husband, Brett of Jonesboro; a brother, Jerry Hodges of Streettman, Texas. An outdoor memorial service will be held at 9 a.m., Saturday, September 5th, 2015 at All Saints Episcopal Church in Russellville. Visitation will follow the service in the Shoemaker Hall until 11:30 p.m. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to All Saints Episcopal Church, 501 S Phoenix, Russellville, AR 72801, RE Hodges Scholarship Fund, ATU Foundation, 8820 Tech Lane, Rslv, AR 72801, Area Agency on Aging of West Central Arkansas, (Senior Aid) 915 S Arkansas Ave., Russellville, Ark 72801, Lions Recycle for Sight, Arkansas Hospice, 2405 E Parkway, Suite 3, Russellville, Ark. or to a favorite charity. Arrangements under the direction of Humphrey Funeral Service. Internet obituary and on-line guest book are available at www.humphreyfuneral.com.

Published September 4, 2015

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