Loy E. Hodges

Loy E. Hodges, 86, of Quitman went to be with the Lord on Wednesday, January 26, 2011 at Baptist Health Medical Center in Heber Springs. The son of William and Susan Bettis Hodges, he was born on December 30, 1924, in Quitman, AR. He was the sixth of nine siblings. As part of a loving, Christian family, he received Jesus as his Savior at an early age. Loy loved gospel music and enjoyed singing with his brothers and sisters at Howard General Baptist Church. His family worked very hard farming their land, and, while they may not have had many possessions, they had an abundance of love. He proudly served his country in WWII in the US Army. On D-Day he landed on Omaha Beach, was wounded in battle and awarded the Purple Heart and Bronze Star Medal. He served with the 776th Anti-Aircraft Battalion in England, France and Germany. He married Jerry Faye Barnes on January 10, 1955 in Reno, Nev. As a father, he was a constant strength and comfort to his children, Danny and Connie. Loy and his wife owned and operated a furniture business in Russellville for many years. He enjoyed nature and animals, especially his cats, Major and Boots. He loved God with all his heart, and that was so apparent in his daily living. He will always be loved and remembered, and we will see him again someday. Loy is survived by two children, daughter Connie Sue Hodges of Irving, Texas; son Danny Hodges and wife Katie of Russellville; three brothers, Eldin Hodges and B.L. Hodges of Quitman, and Winfred Hodges of Cabot; two sisters, Dean Phillips and Jessie McNair, both of Quitman; two granddaughters, Tina Cooper of Russellville and Anita Malik of Morrilton. Loy is preceded in death by his wife, Jerry Hodges; his parents, William and Susan Hodges; one brother, Earl Hodges; two sisters, Jewell Pike and Beulah Scruggs. The family will receive visitors at Olmstead Funeral Home from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m. on Friday, February 4. The funeral service will be held at 2 p.m. on Saturday, February 5, at Howard General Baptist Church in Quitman. Burial will be at Center Point Cemetery.