20202021ObituariesFrank J Hodges

Frank James Hodges, affectionately alsp known as Daddy, Pawpaw and “Red Dog” his CB handle.  Frank, a man of many passions was an Electrician by trade, exhibiting true, strong work ethics throughout his 55 year career. An avid outdoorsman that loved hunting, fishing and boating.  He held a hunting membership at CTTG hunt club in Walker where he would spend much time away from home with his sons, friends an on occasion special memories were made with his grandkids too. He was a fan of football, always rooting for LSU and the Saints! He enjoyed playing pool and dancing many nights away with his life-long best friend and wife of 59 yrs, Mrs.Violet Hodges. Truly a cute couple to watch on the dance floor. A towering, nearly 6ft tall handsome, charming, charismatic man, with a twinkle in his eyes, a sly smile and a laughter like none-other.  He no doubt kept an active lifestyle by leading his beautiful little 4’9″ wife through the dance floor which would make you smile and admire the way they enjoyed each other’s company the way they did. When you saw them together you would see that she was his picture and he was her frame.

Frank also enjoyed the simpler things in life, such as mastering the art of taking many naps daily and satisfying his appetite.  That was made evident by his love of food; especially seafood, red beans and rice, oh and not to forget: biscuits and bacon and cookies. He made sure to enjoy his down time too by listening to Swamp Pop and Old Country music out on his porch. Matilda and Pledging My Love  by Van Brussard being a few of his favorites. He also enjoyed keeping his yard looking nice and tidy, thus proudly putting many miles on his John Deer riding lawn mower. He was always tinkering with anything and everything he could to occupy his time.  Throughout the years he ultimately became a jack of all trades. In our eyes there was nothing he couldn’t do, build or fix.  He was constantly making friends, and most everyone that met him loved him.

He married at 19 and spent the first seasons of his life maturing in his role as a husband and Father. And as many of us do, he too had his ups and downs.  But without a doubt he ultimately demonstrated an insurmountable love for his family.  He loved his children as they grew into adulthood, not to mention his beloved grandchildren and great grandchildren!  He absolutely adored them.

He lived a simple and humble life, and as times changed so did he. In his last years he began to seek a closer relationship with God. He began praying in the mornings and out on that porch daily, building a relationship that would later prove to be the best and most meaningful one yet. All his life he valued and celebrated milestones: his marriage to his wife, the births of his children and grandchildren, as well as facing the storms in his life.  Facing a struggle head-on was important to him.  Eleven years ago he survived a stroke which created many challenges in his life for years to come.  And yet, he remained up for the challenges life brought him again and again.  In his 4th quarter, his health began to experience life altering and threatening events just this past month. His complications began to culminateSome might think negatively on receiving this sort of lot in life.  But through all of this, Frank was receiving a gift.  With surviving each passing emergency or medical complication, God was awarding him the gift of more time; or what some call, “kisses from God”.  The Lord’s hand in Frank’s life through these circumstances is evident.  God used these bonus rounds, these “over-times”, to bring Frank to a place where he was ready to receive the greatest gift: salvation in Jesus Christ, on January 16, 2021.  Through these recent times of crises, God was providing the way for Frank to find the redemption, comfort, and richness he needed in this life; as well as for his life to come.

In light of Frank’s decision to follow Jesus Christ, Frank was able to celebrate his last but truly greatest of all milestones: becoming a Christian.  Frank’s life is proof that God will meet us wherever we are.

In the Bible Jesus shares a parable in Matthew 18:10-14, describing how His Kingdom is accessible to everyone.  No matter what, period. No one is too far gone and it is never too late to turn to Him.  In this parable Jesus portrays a Good Shephard.  One that is willing to chase and pursue just the one wayward sheep out of his flock of 100.  In this parable, Jesus is trying to show his listeners what God is like.  God is this Good Shephard.  In the book of Luke Jesus says, “Just so, I tell you, there will be more joy in heaven over one sinner who repents than over ninety-nine righteous persons who need no repentance.” Our Good Shephard, along with the rest of Heaven, are celebrating and rejoicing right now about Frank’s choice to repent and believe in Jesus Christ.  May the reassurance that Dad got from his complete healing and eternal life provide comfort and inspiration to those of us he left behind.

 Frank, Daddy, Pawpaw, found the Light in some of his darkest days.  On January 16, 2021, Frank was redeemed and promised the Kingdom of God.  Afterwards Frank eagerly waited to be called home.  In his last week on this Earth, he sometimes wondered why God hadn’t taken him yet.  In that week he found the answer as he spoke out loud:

“The only thing, I think is, that He wants me to help everyone look for JESUS.”

By God’s grace, even on his deathbed, Frank did not let his weakness and limitations keep him from sharing his newfound salvation with those who cared for him and visited him.  He continued to thank God for his life and redemption until February 1, 2021, when Frank James Hodges breathed his last.  On that night, Frank was completely healed, and he got to hear his good Shephard say, “Well done Good and Faithful Servant”.

As for us who remain on this Earth, Frank would want you to consider God, and to pray because God is not done writing your story”

And lastly, I leave you with the sound of his sweet voice: