Bobby Wayne Hodges

After attending school in the Martinsville area, Bobby completed training for the U.S. Navy in 1945 in hopes of serving during World War II as had his older brothers, Clyde Otis and William B., Jr. However, he did not serve due to a paralyzed nerve in his eye. He held numerous jobs over the years, starting out at Martinsville Creamery. He moved on from there and worked at Thornton’s Bakery and Boaz Dairy. He then began working in the trucking industry in management and private ownership, but primarily as a truck driver. He was still working full-time as a truck driver until, at age 83, his company filed for bankruptcy. For a time, he continued to look for work but said no one would hire a man his age.

Bobby was deeply devoted to his family and his four children— Mike, Sandy, Charlie, and Eric—who count themselves blessed to have had him as their dad. Outside of work, Bobby was actively involved in his children’s pursuits in their youth. Once his youngest left home, Bobby became an active and beloved member of the Harley Owners Group (H.O.G) in Winston-Salem, NC. He also continued his lifelong love of woodworking, refinishing furniture and eventually carving beautiful walking sticks for his friends and family. He was always quick to jump in and help others and was quite handy. He fed thousands of people over the years between the Boy Scouts and H.O.G. members. He loved to play Santa Claus and would dress up in his Santa hat and distribute gifts to his entire family at annual Christmas gatherings. Even at 97, he scarcely had any grey hair and kept both his childlike wonder and mischief throughout his life.

Bobby was predeceased by his father, William B. Hodges, Sr. his mother, Frances Lovelace Hodges, and his two elder brothers, Clyde and William. He is survived by his long-time partner, Wanda Moore of Greensboro, NC, his sons, Mike Hodges of Clemmons, NC (Neri), Charlie Hodges of Fieldale, VA (Debbie), Eric Hodges of Durham, NC (Celena), and his beloved daughter, Sandra H. Hagen of Union Hall, VA (Derald). He also leaves behind four grandchildren, Chris Maddox, Tashia Maddox, Kai Hodges, and Maya Hodges, two great-grandchildren, Marissa Maddox and Johnathan Maddox, and several nieces and nephews.

There will be a private memorial service at a later date.