Raymond Gregg Hodges joined his Lord and Savior and wife Marie on Feb. 5, 2024. He was a dedicated follower of Jesus Christ, devoted husband, loving Daddy, doting Paw Paw to eight grandchildren, and dear friend. He was a community leader who was active with his church and many other charitable and civic agencies.
Born in New Hope, Alabama on Nov. 15, 1942, Gregg was the only child to Raymond and Leota Hodges. They lived in Albertville, AL for most of Gregg’s young life. He married the love of his life, Marie Theresa Hodges on Feb. 28, 1967 and remained faithfully devoted to her even after her passing in 2010.
Hodges received a Bachelor’s Degree of Animal Science and a Master’s degree of Extension Education from Mississippi State University. He later received an Ed.S. Degree in Education and Supervision from University of Alabama, Gadsden Center.
Stationed in Texas, Hodges served four years in the Air Force during the Vietnam War. He achieved the rank of Staff Sargent (SSgt). He was honorably discharged in 1972. He will receive military honors at his graveside service.
Hodges began his Extension career in Mississippi followed by service in Franklin and Etowah counties before assuming his position in Cullman in 1981. Hodges served as Cullman County Agent Coordinator of the Alabama Cooperative Extension Service for over 20 years in Cullman.
Hodges was a driving force in the development of the Cullman County Agricultural Trade Center. He was also involved in the Farm- City program on state and county levels. He was part of the delegation that received the National Award for rural development in 1983.
He was asked to participate in a humanitarian USDA project requested by Polish authorities. He served from June 1991 to December 1991 after the removal of the Berlin Wall. Hodges was part of a two- man team whose primary focus was to deprivatize the agricultural sector. The team was stationed in Poland. While there, Hodges organized the first 4-H Club in Poland and was also responsible for organizing a Chamber of Commerce for industry in Leszno, Poland. This action opened the door to new economic development in the western corridor of Poland.
In Oct. 1999, Hodges was listed among the Top 100 citizens of Cullman County Leaders of the 20th Century for Agriculture representation.
Hodges has served in many other leadership roles including Director of the Cullman Chamber of Commerce, President of United Way, President of Alabama Association of County Agricultural Agents. He was actively involved in Cullman Co. Cattleman’s Association, Farmer’s Federation, Cullman Hospice and Housing Authority.
Recently, Hodges has concentrated his service with the Gideons and Cullman First Baptist Church, where he has served as Elder, Deacon, Sunday school teacher, and many church committees over the years.
He was a faithful visitor to homebound friends and members of the church, often bringing oranges, shortbread cookies, or flowers cut from his garden. He enjoyed the chance to sit and encourage, laugh, and share the latest local news.
Gregg is preceded in death by his wife Marie. He is survived by their three children: Tracy (Seth) Thompson of Cullman, David Hodges of Nashville, Aimee (Dave) Reese of Birmingham; eight grandchildren: Will, Claire, and Grace Thompson, Cooper and Katy Hodges, Luke, Ruby and Hodges Reese. They will miss him dearly.
Donations to honor Gregg Hodges may be made to the Gideons of Cullman, attn: Rick White or First Baptist Church of Cullman.
Visitation will be held on Thursday, Feb. 8, 2024 from 5 p.m. until 8 p.m. Funeral will be Friday, Feb. 9 at 10 a.m. with graveside to follow at Cullman City Cemetery. Both visitation and funeral will be at First Baptist Church of Cullman, 501 2nd Avenue S.E., Cullman, AL 35055.
