Jerry Dewayne Hodges passed away peacefully on his beloved Hodges Cove Farm on June 24, 2024. He was 64.
Jerry was a lifelong resident of Van Buren County and a lifelong member of the Cummingsville United Methodist Church. He was a 1978 graduate of White County High School. He enjoyed a 36-year career with Ben Lomand Telephone Company and retired at 55. After retiring he enjoyed spending more time on his farm, serving his community and enjoying his love of music, especially gospel music. He formed "The Back Row Review" assisting musical groups with lighting and sound.
Jerry was born a twin on April 6, 1960. He was special in so many ways. He was a loyal and genuine person with unmatched integrity. He was smart, handsome, modest and kind. He had a generous heart and never hesitated to help or share anything he had to help anyone.
Jerry loved the Lord. He took care of the blessings he was given. His family, his many friends and farm. He would say " I didn't do anything. God did everything ". He always knew what really mattered in life. He did not like attention or frivolous things. He was quiet and humble. Those who knew him well knew how fun he could be and they knew he was a blessing to have in their life.
Jerry was a hard worker, and he lived his life with purpose. As a young man in his early 20's he purchased a farm with cash he had saved. It was overgrown and with his own hands and labor he turned it into one of the most picturesque farms around. He could be seen out on the farm daily working on his property.
Jerry had a deep love for Van Buren Co., its residents and its unsurpassed natural beauty. He enjoyed hiking, caving and God's beauty. He loved volunteering and serving his church and community. He served as a volunteer deputy sheriff for 20 years. He was a member of the Van Buren Co fair board, the Van Buren Co., Election Commission, provided service to the E911 board and offered his service to help promote the natural resources for the Van Buren Soil Conservation district, etc.
As you enter Jerry's farm you will see an inscription in stone that Jerry placed there in his early 20's and perhaps it best describes who he was. It reads:
"Give fools their gold and knaves their power, let fortunes bubbles rise and fall,
Who plants a seed, trains a flower or plants a tree is more than all."
Our family and his many friends will love and miss him forever. He was always there to help us, to guide us, to rescue us. He was a true gentleman and one of a kind.
Jerry was preceded in death by his parents, Murphy and Clara Hodges of Van Buren County, brother-in-law Gary Keeton of Independence, Texas.
He is survived by his twin sister Sherry Hodges Keeton, his brother Michael Hodges (sister-in-law Teresa) of Cookeville, Tennessee, nephews and many friends.
Funeral and graveside service will be at the Hodges Cemetery on Saturday, June 29th at 3:00 with Pastor Al Schieber, Bro. Darrel Nance and Bro. Ricky Mooneyham officiating. Please join the family for visitation and a meal to honor Jerry immediately following at the Cummingsville United Methodist Church.
Flowers may be sent to the Hodges Cemetery. In lieu of flowers please donate to the Hodges Cemetery Fund.
Layne Funeral Home & Cremation Services of Spencer in charge of arrangements. (931) 946-4444.
