Harry D. Hodges

"A good name is rather to be chosen than great riches; to be esteemed is better than silver or gold." Proverbs 22:1. On Tuesday, Aug. 11, 2009, at age 76, Harry Donald Hodges entered into the presence of his Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ, and left behind a "good name" because he trusted Christ and sought to live for him. Harry was a devoted husband, father, grandfather and friend to many. He was a lifelong resident of Baton Rouge, growing up in North Highlands, attending Istrouma High School (where he was an All-American football player), then graduating from LSU where he played football for the Tigers. A real estate developer by trade, he developed several lasting neighborhoods in the Baton Rouge and Central communities. He was an avid hunter, gardener, and committed church member of Zoar Baptist Church. To all who loved him, Harry was known for his wisdom, kindness, and good humor, but most importantly, for his great love for his family; he will be dearly missed by his family and friends. Harry died at home from Alzheimer's surrounded by all of his family. He is survived by his wife of 47 years, Bettye Lewis Hodges; a son, Donald Hodges and wife Theresa; three daughters, Jean Raggio and husband Michael, Lynn Aucoin and husband Bradley, and Paige Gendron and husband Scott; and 18 grandchildren, Hannah, Emily, Mary Ellen, Holly, Will, and Charlotte Hodges, Aaron, Miles, and Rachel Raggio, Olivia, Elizabeth, Alexander, Andrew and Elliott Aucoin, Jane Anne, Sophie, Grace and Natalie Gendron; four sisters, Dorothy Bankston, Mary Vining, Aline Trainer and Linda Bigner; and a brother, Ted Hodges. He was preceded in death by his parents, Louis and Ethel Hodges; sister, Betty June Smith; and granddaughter, Anne Marie Aucoin. Pallbearers will be Ted Hodges, Win Turner, Jim Gardner, Scott Gendron, Michael Raggio and Bradley Aucoin. Honorary pallbearers are Billy Vickry and E.G. Rogillio. Visitation at Rabenhorst Funeral Home East, 11000 Florida Blvd., on Thursday, Aug. 13, was from 5 p.m. to 8 p.m. Visiting at Zoar Baptist Church on Friday, Aug. 14, from 9 a.m. until funeral service at 11 a.m. Interment in church cemetery. The family would like to thank St. Joseph Hospice and the Carpenter House for their outstanding care. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made in his memory to his favorite charity, Judson Baptist Retreat Center, 10330 Peterson Road, St. Francisville, LA 70775 or the charity of your choice.