Dr. Edward Hodges

Dr. Michael Edward Hodges, 73, of North Augusta entered into rest on June 22, 2011. He is survived by his beloved wife Bonnie Higginbotham Hodges; their children Kimberly Ann Hodges of North Augusta; Jennifer Hodges Nauright (John) of Fairfax, Virginia; and Michael Joel Hodges of Peachtree City, Georgia; their six grandchildren; Ashley Redding Hartnett, Kristopher Radney Hodges; Jason Edward Leach, Kimberly Lauren Wade, Bailey Jordan Farmer, and Ryan Patrick Hodges; and his siblings Marvin Wayne (Peggy) Hodges of Havre de Grace, Maryland; and Ellen Hodges Patterson of San Jose, California. A native of Panama City, Florida, he was preceded in death by his parents Edward Marvin Hodges and Annie Harrison Hodges. A graduate of Auburn University in 1960 with a BA in chemical engineering, Dr. Hodges was an active member of the Wesley Foundation and a member of Scabbard and Blade. He served as a member of the Army Reserve in the Fort Gordon 210th Army Signal Corps where he was the Company Executive Officer, being called to active duty during the Berlin Crisis in 1961. He then worked as a chemical engineer for forty years at Savannah River Site. During that time he also obtained his PhD in chemical engineering from The University of South Carolina in 1972. He was a strong advocate for science and math education and his proudest role was working in education outreach for Savannah River Site. A member of Sigma Xi, in 2000 he was awarded the George Westinghouse Award for Achievement in research and served as local chair of the American Institute of Chemical Engineers. Dr. Hodges was a devoted member of St John United Methodist Church for nearly forty years. He served the Church in many capacities including chairman of worship, member of the organ committee, Sunday School teacher, and served as a certified lay speaker. Prior to joining St. John he was choir director at Grace United Methodist Church in North Augusta. He was an avid supporter of the arts and participated in many local productions with the Augusta Players, the Augusta Opera and the Fort Gordon Dinner Theater. He served on the board of the Aiken Center for the Arts and was instrumental in the establishment of the Ruth Patrick Center at USC Aiken. In addition, Dr. Hodges was active in numerous local associations including the Uptown Kiwanis Club; North Augusta Exchange Club (former president); and North Augusta Band Boosters Club (former president). The family is eternally grateful for all who have shown their love and support along his difficult journey. In particular, Dr Donald Townsend and his staff; Dr. Robert Abramson and his staff; Steve McElmurray and the entire staff at Parks Pharmacy in North Augusta; were remarkable. Special thanks go to Amanda Lind, RN of Trinity Home Health Aiken and Andrea Freeman, RN of Medical Oncology Associates Augusta who personified all that is good and decent in health care and human kindness. Visitation will be held in the Church Narthex at St John United Methodist Church, Augusta, GA at 10am on Saturday, June 25, 2011. The funeral service will commence at 11am. Pallbearers are Dr. Edward Albenesius, J. Thomas Altizer, Dr. Leonard Brubaker, Dr. M. Nesbitt Dasher, Jr., Benjamin F. Hendricks, Dr. Allen Johnson Dennis, Burchen Helton, F. Lansing Lee, Jr., Dr. Stephen F. Peterson, Charles Piercy, and James T. Richardson. Honorary pallbearers are the members of the Turner/Marks/Howard Sunday School Class (aka "The Misfits") of St John United Methodist Church. The family requests that no flowers be sent. In lieu of flowers, the family requests memorials be made to St. John United Methodist Church, Green Street, Augusta or to the charity of choice. Chance and Hydrick Funeral Directors, 2502 Richmond Hill Rd, Augusta, GA 30906.

Dr. Edward Hodges

June 23, 2011