Larry Houston Hodge, born in Kanawha County on April 8, 1938, aged 86, made his Heavenly flight to Beulah Land early Sunday morning, September 8, 2024. Originally from Cabin Creek, WV, Larry lived in Princeton, WV prior to relocating with his bride of 65 years so that she could be properly cared for in a memory care unit at Harmony of White Oaks in Bridgeport. Although he had a very short illness that took him from us rather quickly, we know there is a plan and a purpose and we are thankful for the lessons and love he showered on us over the years.
As he was ushered into the arms of his Heavenly Father, he was reunited with his parents who had gone before him, William “Henry” and Sylvia Perry Hodge, his siblings: Benny Hodge, Oliver “Toady” Hodge, Kermit Hodge and Shirley Hodge Bailey, as well as his grandson, Jordan Keesecker, and Great Granddaughter, Jaelyn Hodge.
Left behind are his wife of 65 years, Gloria “Faye” Grounds Hodge, his children, Greg (Debbie) Hodge of Calvin, WV; Gary (Madilyn) Hodge of Ladera Ranch, CA; Jeff (Deborah) Hodge of Johnson City, TN; Scott (Susan) Hodge of Camden, SC; and Mindy (Johnny) Layne of Fairmont, WV. Grandchildren that are mourning his loss are Christina, Kimberly, Tina, Julian, Cole, Katherine, Michael, Jeffrey, Kayla, Isaac, Zoe, Heather, Kate, Ryan, Bethany and Emma. Larry was also blessed with 14 great grandchildren. He is also survived by his sister, Freda Hodge Hudnall of King, NC.
Larry was a proud veteran of the Army, and served in Korea and Vietnam. He retired from the military in 1978, settling in Greenbrier County, WV, and began his civilian employment as a nursing home administrator with various entities in West Virginia and in East Tennessee, most notably in Erwin, Tennessee.
Upon full retirement, he and his bride relocated to Princeton WV where he was a member of Landmark First Church of God. Larry was a long-standing board member at Landmark and was active in taking care of the church grounds for numerous years. Once Larry relocated to Bridgeport, he attended Jewel City Church.
Larry enjoyed fishing, golfing, playing cards with his sons, and singing southern gospel music with his family.
He leaves behind many who are mourning his departure from this life but who are grateful for the example he set as a Christian. He was a very special Poppaw to not only his biological grandchildren, but to many others along the way.
A celebration of life for Larry will occur Saturday, September 14, 2024, at Perine Funeral Home at 1348 S. Pike Street in Shinnston, WV with visiting hours between 12-2 pm and a service at 2 pm with his son, Scott Hodge, officiating. Pastor Carrie Hodge Hill will be assisting with the music. Condolences may be extended to the family at www.perinefunerals.com. The Perine Funeral Home is honored to serve the Hodge family.