William "Bill" Dale Hodges

William Dale “Bill” Hodges passed away May 2, 2014 at the age of 70. Bill Hodges was born February 11, 1944, the only son of Royal M. Hodges and Marjorie Francis Moulton Hodges. He grew up in Biloxi roaming the woods and beaches exploring as a child. He graduated from Biloxi High School in 1963 as a winning basketball and football player. He graduated from the University of Southern Mississippi completing his education on a football scholarship as a tight end for the Golden Eagles. After graduation, he joined the Army. After serving a tour of duty, he joined the Army National Guard and served for 30 years, retiring with a rank of Major. Mr. Hodges worked at the Veterans Administration Hospital in both Gulfport and Biloxi. Early on he earned a Master’s Degree at the Coast Branch of the University of Southern Mississippi. This extra education helped him achieve the rank of Chief Recreational Officer before his retirement for 30 years of service. Mr. Hodges was a lifelong fisherman and deer hunter. He was a member of a hunting club and went on annual hunts for several years successfully gaining several trophy bucks. Mr. Hodges was preceded in death by his father, Royal Moore Hodges and survived by his mother, Marjorie Frances Moulton Hodges. He is also the proud father of two successful children, his daughter, Shelli Hodges Jordan of Arkansas and son, William Alan Hodges of Atlanta, Georgia. He also is survived by three sisters, Diantha Hodges Stewart Stafford of Clinton, MS, Susan Hodges Michelson of Greenville, NC and Janet Hodges Johnson of Atlanta, GA. Special loving thanks go to his friend, Sheila Daniels of Foley, AL for her wonderful care during his last years of illness. A memorial service will be held to remember the good times at 1:00 p.m. at the Pass Rd. Chapel of Bradford-O’Keefe Funeral Home on Friday, May 9, 2014. Friends may visit one hour prior. Graveside service at Biloxi National Cemetery will be held at a later date. In lieu of flowers, donations in his name may be given to the Salvation Army who was such good friends during the hard times after Katrina when Mr. Hodges lost his home. Salvation Army of South MS 575 Division St, Biloxi, MS 39530. 228-374-8301