Earl H. Hodges

Earl Henry Hodges, a member of the pioneer Hodges family in Fort Christmas died July 9, 2012. He was born on January 31, 1926, he was 86 years old. The Hodges family dates back to the 1850's in the Fort Christmas area. His father, Bryant Hodges help to build many of the country roads in the Christmas area. Earl's father was married to Lottie Hancock whose family was also a pioneer family in Christmas. Earl attended Union Elementary School in Fort Christmas. The old school house is on display at the Fort Christmas Park. After graduating from Orlando High School, he served in the Army Air Corps during WWII in the Pacific. When he returned from the Army, he joined Florida Power Corp. where he worked for over 40 years, he worked up through the ranks and retired as dispatcher. Earl married Nellie Murray in 1946 and they were contentedly married until her death in 2007. The Hodges family attended and were members of the Pine Grove Missionary Baptist Church for many years.
Mr. Hodges is survived by his son, Russell Hodges and daughter-in-law, Sandra Hodges of Orlando; daughter, Deborah Hodges and son-in-law, David Hoos of N.C.; son, Timothy Hodges of Orlando. He leaves 4 grandchildren; 6 great grandchildren and his sister, Melvina Hodges of Christmas.