The funeral service for John Ellis Hodges will be 11 a.m., Thursday, September 19, at Riverwood Family with burial to follow in Macedonia Baptist Church Cemetery. Visitation is from 5-8 p.m., Wednesday, September 18, at Riverwood, and will resume from 10 a.m. until the time of the service on Thursday.

Mr. Hodges, 75, of Brookhaven, died September 17, 2024, at King’s Daughters Medical Center. He was born in Centreville, MS, December 23, 1948, to Bowen Tarver and Virginia Hodges Case.

Mr. Hodges loved his grandchildren and most important, his great-grand, Pete. He grew up farming, working in the oilfield, and fishing. He served his country in the United States Army, two years in Vietnam, and was honorably discharged with several honors and badges. You could find him most days sitting on the banks of the Mississippi River in Port Gibson and Fayette. His favorite season is gardening season and good ole turkey hunting. He was a man of his word and would do everything to honor it. He was ready to help anyone in need. He could play a mean game of Dominos against anybody. But above all, his family was put first no matter what. He made a point to show them all the ways of life and to be respectful. He taught his grandkids how to live the true farm country life. Last but not least, he was THE best gumbo maker on earth.

Mr. Hodges is preceded in death by his parents and two brothers, Edward Hodges and Paul Hodges.

He is survived by his daughter, Angela Smith (Jonathan); brother, Bowen Hodges (Francine); two grandchildren, Katie Smith (Blake) and Kaleb Smith (Kelbie); and one great grand, Justice Pete Smith. He is also survived by Nita Jordan and family, Zelda Luther and family, and a host of other loving family members and friends.

The family would like to express their appreciation to Diversicare and Compassus, as well as King’s Daughters and St. Dominics for the care given to John.