Mr. Billy R. Hodge, Sr., 94, of Waynesboro, PA passed away Saturday, October 11, 2025, at Menno Haven Rehab Center, Chambersburg, PA.
Born November 8, 1930 in Ashland, WV, he was the son of the late Samuel and Margarita Hodge.
He graduated from Elkhorn High School (WV) with the Class of 1948. He later earned both his Bachelors Degree and Masters Degree in Education from Elizabeth City State University in North Carolina.
Mr. Hodge served as a tank commander with the United States Army during the Korean War and was awarded the Bronze Star.
He and his wife, the late Helen H. (Hargrave) Hodge, were married on March 30, 1956, in Portsmouth, VA. Mrs. Hodge died on June 11, 2004.
In his early life, Mr. Hodge taught school at Watson High School in Covington, VA. He later taught science for the Frederick County School System at Thurmont Middle School. He retired after 37 years of teaching. Following his retirement, he worked part time as a Park Ranger in Catoctin National Park.
He was a life member of William Max McLaughlin V.F.W. Post #695 and Joe Stickell American Legion Post #15 and was a member of Moose Lodge #1191, all of Waynesboro.
Mr. Hodge was an avid sports fan for both men’s and women’s sports. He enjoyed bowling and coached football for many years. He started his coaching at Watson High School in Virginia, helped to establish the football program at Catoctin High School and also coached the Waynesboro Tigers for many years.
He is survived by one daughter, Nikki L. Brooks of Waynesboro; two sons, Billy R. Hodge, Jr. (Carmen) of Fayetteville, PA and Richard S. Hodge of Waynesboro; eight grandchildren; 15 great-grandchildren; four great-great-grandchildren; and several nieces and nephews.
In addition to his parents and wife, he was preceded in death by his biological mother, Mary Baldwin Woody and two sisters, Juanita Nance and Geraldine Springer.
A memorial service will be held at 11:00 A.M., Thursday, October 16, 2025, in Grove-Bowersox Funeral Home, 50 S. Broad St., Waynesboro with Pastor Cheryl Watts officiating. Burial will be private.
The family will receive friends from 9:30 A.M. until 11:00 A.M., Thursday morning, in the funeral home.
In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to: Menno Haven Rehab Center, 2055 Scotland Ave., Chambersburg, PA 17201.
