Wayne grew up in Wolfe, West Virginia and joined the Navy at 17 years old. He retired in December of 1993 and stayed for a while where he resided in Fremont, California, before moving to Kerman, California in 2016.
Wayne met the love of his life, Ramona, while stationed in London England, in 1983. She was there for an extended vacation to visit her sister, Helen, and brother in law Dave Perry, for three months. Wayne and Ramona's brother in law Dave were stationed together in the same unit. Wayne and Ramona met at a personnel promotion ceremony, where she locked eyes with him and asked to be introduced. It was a love at first sight, although the couple spent the beginning of their relationship long distance, sending letters and making phone calls. Eventually, Wayne asked Ramona to marry him, tying the knot on July 13, 1985 in San Jose, California.
While in Fremont, Wayne enjoyed barbecuing at the local hangout in the Niles district, The Florence Niles Bar, and he ended up barbecuing there for over 20 years. Wayne loved that the Florence Niles Bar was known for being a frequent stop for Charlie Chaplain, who resided in Niles for a few years while filming movies and who also has a silent film museum dedicated to him in Niles. He also loved barbecuing with the guys and gals from the local men and women's motorcycle clubs. Their groups organized fundraising events, including donating to charities for the local communities and schools, as well as organizing special events such as the annual Niles Christmas parade in December. Wayne also loved going to the casino, being a frequent visitor to Chukchansi as well as the surrounding casinos.
Wayne's real passion after retirement was to spend time in assisting and informing veterans about the processes to apply for service-connected disability and any other benefits that they were entitled to.
Wayne is survived by his loving wife, Ramona Sierras-Hodge, as well as his daughters, Marisela Teresa Hodge and Alexis Danielle Hodge. He is also survived by his brother John Hodge, and sisters Velma Breland, Terry Philpott, Jean Riley, Beverline Hodge, Carol Hodge, and Sylvia Harrell. Wayne is also survived by his sister-in-law, Mary Tinoco Perry, his brothers-in-law Jessie Sierras and Henry Tinoco, as well as many nieces and nephews.
Wayne's family would like to extend their thanks and gratitude to everyone who has reached out to give support during this difficult time.
A visitation for Wayne will be held at Stephens and Bean Funeral Chapel starting at 9:00 am on Monday, January 27, 2025. The funeral service will follow at the same location starting at 10:00 am. A committal service will then take place at St. Peter's Catholic Cemetery at 11:00 am.
