James Woodie Hodge went to be with Jesus March 8, 2021.  Woodie was born on July 10, 1941, in Troy, Alabama, to his late parents Robert E. Hodge, who passed away when Woodie was 12, and Mary V. "Nanny" Norris. Woodie grew up in Abbeville, Alabama, with his brother Robert E. (Sherry) of Prattville, Alabama, and his sister Mary Sue (Herb Reitmeyer) of Dothan, Alabama.  His mother later married Leamon Forehand, and they moved to Enterprise, Alabama.

From there, he entered the U.S. Air Force and met the love of his life, Charlene Joy Schave Hodge while stationed in Sacramento, California.  From there, after he left the Air Force, they moved to Burlingame, California, where Woodie worked for United Airlines in San Francisco.  They started their family with Lana Christine.  After a couple years in that overpopulated area, they decided to move back to Enterprise, Alabama, where their son Alan Wayne was born.  There Woodie worked for Page Aircraft before re-entering the U.S. Air Force.  That was the beginning of travels from Biloxi, Mississippi to Tacoma, Washington to Eagle River, Alaska to Panama City, Florida to Norvenich, Germany and back to Florida.  He retired as an E-8 Senior Master Sergeant in 1992.

What a wonderful adventure their life was, especially after Charlene met Jesus while in Alaska.  Woodie had received Jesus at age 12.  Life became a whole new adventure when they started learning how to be an example of the love of God that ministers to a world full of seekers of truth. Everything became brighter, better and filled with joy and strength to overcome common obstacles in life.

Woodie soldiered through CLL (Leukemia) for 20 years.  His weak immune system allowed many other ailments until finally he got cellulitis in his foot that led to a strep infection that became septic throughout his body.  He was in ICU five nights before going to be with Jesus.  He is known for never using his health as an excuse to avoid his duties or helping others.

Woodie's legacy includes a strong commitment to family and to all within the boundaries of his life.  He was a faithful husband, caring conscientious father and grandfather to seven grandchildren.  His daughter Lana (Jim Gill) gave us five grandchildren, Jimmy, Caroline, Derek, Christopher and John.  Our son Alan Hodge and Virginia Chafin gave us two more grandchildren, Emilee and Joseph.

Woodie was a backyard carpenter and enjoyed building useful items for the home.  He loved being outside and was always thinking about what to do next.  He was loved by many for his gentle smile and willingness to help in his generous and unselfish ways.

A memorial service will be held in the Wilson Funeral Home Chapel on Saturday, March 13, 2021 at 1:00 pm with the family receiving friends from 12-1 pm.  Those desiring may make memorial donations to the Sagrada Scholarship Bible Camp, 33495 Sagrada Beach Road, Lincoln, MO 65338, where Woodie and Charlene volunteered every spring for many years.