Funeral services will be at 11:00 am on Saturday, September 21, 2013 at Bethel Baptist Church for Mr. Charles Edward Hodge, age 73, of Gadsden, who died on Wednesday, September 18, 2013. The Revs. Ricky Cornelius, Glenn Stancil and Billy Ramsey will officiate. Burial will be at Crestwood Memorial Cemetery. Crestwood Memorial Funeral Home will direct.
Mr. Hodge was the father of 3 children, Perry, Todd and Kristi Hodge; and also raised his eldest granddaughter, Jaimie Sweeten. He worked at Gulf State Steel for 41 years until he retired. He also retired from the military after serving 23 years. He is a charter member and deacon of Bethel Baptist Church.
He is preceded in death by his daughter, Kristi Salers and his parents, Rev. Edward and Tressie Hodge.
He is survived by his loving wife of 54 years, Judy Hodge; children, Perry (Tara) Hodge, Todd (Nica) Hodge and Jaimie (Elzie) Sweeten; 14 other grandchildren; 7 great grandchildren; and a host of nieces and nephews.
In-Lieu-of-flowers, memorials may be made to the Bethel Baptist Church.
Pallbearers will be Elzie Sweeten, Judson Hodge, Taylor Hodge, Cody Owens, Richard Garrard, Joey Edmondson, Brandon Aderholt, David McClandess, Daniel Miller, Charlie Hodge, Shane Salers and Joshua Campbell.
Special thanks to Dr. Steve Sanders, Dr. Alberto Echeverri and Dr. Jed Kaplan.
The family will receive friends tonight from 5:00 pm until 7:00 pm at Crestwood Memorial Funeral Home.