WILLIE HODGE JR

Willie Hodge Jr. was born on November 6th, 1933 in Galloway, Arkansas. He departed this life on February 22nd, 2024. Willie was the only child of Willie (Sr.) and Alverta (Suttles) Hodge. As a youth, Willie was a member of St. Andrews A.M.E. Church. His schooling began at Valley Grove Elementary School. He later attended Pulaski County Training School, before graduating from St. Bartholomew High School in Little Rock, Arkansas. It was there where he honed his joke telling skills, his bright smile, and welcoming handshake. Upon graduation, he enrolled into the HBCU, Philander Smith College (now University), majoring in Business Administration, while minoring in Psychology. While there, he was a member of the Men’s Association, and the Student Christian Association. In 1953, Willie became the 1st director of the William Thrasher Boy’s Club in Little Rock. In August 1957, he was enlisted into the US Army. He was honorably discharged in August, 1963. It was during that time that he met his wife of 65 years, Goldia Glenn Neal. In 1958, they married. From that union, four sons were born. Brian (deceased), Bruce (Deceased), Jay, and Ray. In 1960, they moved to Cleveland, Ohio. While here, he joined Lee Memorial A.M.E Church and served in numerous capacities for over 60 years. He was instrumental in the construction of the new building and sanctuary. He retired from the Systems Operations Department of General Electric in 1997. Willie leaves to cherish his memory, his wife, Goldia; His brother from another mother, Charles Evans (Judy); Two sons, Jay (Erika), and Ray; Daughter (in law), Zina; Nine grandchildren, Shatya, Brandon, Ji’Mera, Cianna, Blake, Bryce, Jada, Bailey, and Jordan. Six great-grandchildren; numerous nieces, nephews, cousins, godchildren, adopted and other family members, as well as a countless number friends. His smile, his infinite catalog of jokes, and hospitable personality were one of a kind. He’ll always be in our hearts and on our minds.

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