Elwood Thomas Hodnett

Elwood Thomas Hodnett passed away on October 27, 2025 at the age of 75. He was born in Petersburg, VA on December 11, 1949. He graduated from Petersburg High School in 1968, where he played football and baseball. While colleges were recruiting him to play football for them, he opted to take a break from sports and hit the books. He started at Virginia Tech in 1968, where he met his future wife, Martha. They enjoyed everything Virginia Tech had to offer, especially football games, and were married in September of 1971. He graduated with a BS degree in Management and Marketing in 1972.

Tom joined the Navy in November of 1972. Prior to joining the Navy, he had never seen the ocean, but was excited to start this new chapter in his life. The Navy took Martha and Tom all over the world. Major positions he held included the Trident Submarine Force Financial Manager/Planner, Navy Working Capital Fund Manager, Joint Staff/J4, Supply Officer of USS ESSEX (LHD 2), Assistant Chief of Staff for Logistics for NAVCENT/5th Fleet in Bahrain, Comptroller for US Navy's Pacific Fleet, and NAVSEA 04. While they enjoyed everywhere they lived, Hawaii always held a special place in their heart as did many people they met there.

Tom continued his education and received a Master’s Degree in Financial Management from the Naval Post Graduate School in 1982. He retired in 2003 as a U.S. Navy Captain and continued his service by working as the Director for Supporting Presidential & Congressional Commissions or Boards at GSA from 2004-2019.

Tom and Martha always enjoyed traveling to Maine or anywhere that Virginia Tech was playing a football game. They made their way back on campus as much as possible and enjoyed going down memory lane as well as seeing all of the current students enjoying the best parts of their lives. Tom was proud to support a number of student scholarships over the years whether it be for the school of Math, Business, or part of Virginia Tech Athletics.

Tom was preceded in death by his father, Elwood Thomas Hodnett Sr., and his mother, Frances Kathleen Hodnett (Claytor). He is survived by his wife, Martha, sisters-in-law Kathe (Eugene) and Barbara, four nieces and nephews, two great-nieces, and two great-nephews.

A funeral service will be held at Arlington National Cemetery in Virginia with Full Naval Honors at a future date.

Tom was very passionate about education and Virginia Tech. A scholarship has been established in his name and the family would love for people to consider making donations towards it in lieu of flowers.

Memorial donations may be made to the E.T. Hodnett, Jr. Business Scholarship at Virginia Tech. Please note that your gift is in memory of Tom Hodnett.

Checks may be made payable to the Virginia Tech Foundation, Inc. and mailed to:

Office of Gift Accounting (0336)

University Gateway Center, Virginia Tech

902 Prices Fork Road

Blacksburg, VA 24061

Donations may be made on-line by visiting Elwood Thomas Hodnett Jr. Business Scholarship Fund.