Cletus Ray Hodge

Cletus Ray Hodge, 95, a long-time resident of the Hills Chapel Community, died Monday, January 26, 2015, at Traceway Retirement Community in Tupelo. He was born June 18, 1919, to the late Thomas Leroy and Missouri Patterson Hodge. He enlisted in the U.S. Army in October 1942 and shortly thereafter married the love of his life, Benebba Scott. After his service during World War II, which included participation in the Battle of the Bulge within the 9th Army, 9th Armored Division, he returned to Prentiss County where he farmed and raised cattle until 2007. He also worked at McClenden Cheese and in maintenance during construction of the Tenn Tom Waterway. He enjoyed working with his cattle, gardening, playing Rook, and doing whatever his wife of 68 years asked of him. He was a member of Candler’s Chapel Baptist Church.

Funeral services will be 2:00 pm Wednesday, January 28, 2015 at McMillan Funeral Home with Bro. Tommy Wilder and Bro. Ray Bennett officiating. Burial will be in the Candler’s Chapel Cemetery.

He is survived by his son, Bobby (Jane) Hodge of Belden; his grandson, Stewart (Molly) Hodge of Booneville; his great-grandson, Peyton Hodge; a sister, Vera (Jimmy) McDonald of Ocala, FL; and a host of nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by his wife of 68 years; two brothers, George and Hubert Hodge; three sisters, Eunice Vuncannon, Lorene Alexander, and Tressie Gitter.

Visitation will be from 5-8:00 pm on Tuesday, January 27, 2015 and until service time on Wednesday at the funeral home.