Batie Junior "B.J." Hodges

Mr. Batie Junior, "B.J." Hodges, 80, of Mt. Airy passed away on Monday evening May 19, 2008 at Golden Living Center in Mt. Airy. Mr. Hodges was born in Surry County on May 6, 1928 to the late Batie Turner Hodges and the late Lucy Hudson Hodges. Mr. Hodges, a dedicated and loving husband and father, was also a benevolent and tireless force for God in his community and state touching many lives with a positive example and message of strength perseverance and dedication to his Lord and Savior Christ Jesus. His new life is celebrated, yet he will be sorely missed by we who love him so. He was a member of Piney Grove Baptist Church for fifty four years, serving in various capacities including as Deacon, Sunday School Teacher, Sunday School Director and numerous other committees. Mr. Hodges was the owner and operator of Hodges Insurance Agency in Dobson before retiring. He was a Veteran having served in the US Marine Corp. Surviving are his wife of sixty years Lois Smith Hodges of the home; two sons and daughters-in-law Bruce and Linda Hodges, Barry and Darlene Hodges all of Mt. Airy; by five grandchildren Stephanie Hodges Wages and husband Joe Wages, Courtney Hodges, Kevin Hodges, Landon Hodges and Keely Hodges; by four step grandchildren Patrick Biggs, Heather Aron and her husband Jay Aron, John Andrew Fulton, Randy Graybeal and his wife Charo Graybeal; by two Great Grandchildren Cameron Wages and Alex Wages; by one step great grandchild Hana Aron. In addition to his parents he was preceded in death by two sisters Thelma Hodges and Pauline Cave; by two brothers James Hodges and Riley Hodges. Funeral services will be held 2:00 PM Thursday May 22, 2008 at Piney Grove Baptist Church with burial to follow in the Church Cemetery. Rev. Kermit Gray and Rev. George Jones Jr. will conduct the services. The family will receive friends at Piney Grove Baptist Church on Wednesday evening from 6 until 8 PM. The family has requested that in lieu of flowers memorials may be made to the Piney Grove Baptist Church C/O Garnet Beasley PO Box 1022 Mt. Airy, NC 27030 or to the donor's choice. Mr. Hodges body will be taken back to Moody-Davis Funeral Home in Dobson after the visitation, and will be placed back in the church on Thursday to lie in state 30 min. before the service. The Family would like to give a special thanks to the Mt. Airy Dialysis Center and to the Golden Living Center for the love and care given to B.J.