NORTH CAROLINA, Feb. 18 – On Friday, February 12, 2010, Willie (Will) James Hodges, 71, died unexpectedly and peacefully at his home in Durham, NC. He was born on August 24, 1938 to Henry Thomas Hodges and Helen Hodges Echols in Green Bay.

He is survived by his wife of 42 years, Avis Groves Hodges; two daughters, Cheri Hodges of Raleigh, NC and Kelly Hodges of Durham, NC; a son, Kyle Hodges and wife, Leah of Lawrenceville, GA; three grandchildren, Katie, Kylie and Kinsley Hodges; a loving sister, Rita Echols Smith and husband, Michael Smith and their daughter, Hailey Smith, as well as his loving extended family and friends.

During his twenty years in the Navy he was stationed in Hawaii, Newfoundland, Texas, California and Florida. He also was deployed to Alaska and Japan. He proudly served his country in the capacity of Aviation Antisubmarine Warfare Operator, Air Traffic Controller, In-flight Tech Crew Leader and Operations Training Supervisor. He flew in several different type aircraft, but his favorite was the Constellation.

After retiring from the Navy he spent many years working as a Sales Manager for ClaVal Company until he retired in 2006. Since he spent many nights on the road throughout both his careers, during retirement, he was content taking care of things on the home front, and always looking for another win by the Boston Red Sox.

A memorial service was held on February 15 in the Howerton & Bryan Funeral Chapel in Durham, NC.

www.howertonbryan.com

Those that choose to may make donations to the Navy Memorial Fund, or the charity of their choice.