Ralph M Hodges Sr

Hodges, Sr., Ralph M, age 88, of South Knoxville passed away Monday, April 23, 2012 at UT Medical Center. Ralph was a 1942 graduate of Knoxville High School and after graduating he joined the US Navy. In 1947 he graduated from UT and having already completed his officer training, he continued to serve in the US Navy and Navy Reserves for 20 years and retired at the rank of Commander. He was a veteran of the Korean Conflict. Ralph was an Electrical Design Engineer for TVA and retired in 1986 with over 38 years of service. He was a member of Mt Olive Baptist Church and served in many positions including Chairman of the Deacons. Prior to Mt Olive, Ralph was a member of Fifth Avenue Baptist Church. He was preceded in death by his loving wife, Kathryn Byrd Hodges; son, Ralph M Hodges, Jr., sisters, Eleanor Nipper, Agnes Hodges; brother, Jesse Ross Hodges, Jr. Survivors include daughters and sons-in-law, Shirley and Tom Davis of Cumming, GA and Charlene and Doug Raulerson of Apopka, FL; son, J.R. Hodges of Knoxville; grandchildren: Clay Chalfant, Rusty and Jason Dooley, Douglas, Stacy, Jennifer and Victoria Kathryn Raulerson; great-grandchildren: Davis Chalfant, Savannah, Rebecca, Matt and Sarah Dooley, Kyle and Ryan Dooley, Callie and Maggie Raulerson. Family will receive friends 5-7 PM Thursday at Berry Funeral Home, Chapman Hwy. and the funeral service will be held 11 AM Friday at Mt. Olive Baptist Church with Dr. Deron Cobb officiating. Interment will follow at Sherwood Memorial Gardens. Pallbearers will be: Tom Davis, Doug Raulerson, Clay Chalfant, Rusty and Jason Dooley and Douglas Raulerson. Honorary pallbearers will be the Kingsman Sunday School Class. Full military honors by the US Navy Reserve and Volunteer State Honor Guard. Memorials may be made to the Mt Olive Baptist Church Building Fund, 2500 Maryville Pike Knoxville, TN 37920. Condolences may be offered at www.berryfuneralhome.com.