Robert L. Hodge

Robert L. Hodge, a beacon of kindness and selflessness, completed his earthly journey on January 4, 2024, at his residence in Daleville, AL, after a valiant battle with an extended illness. Born on September 7, 1932, in Coffee County, Alabama, to Joe D. and Ora "Ola" Jane Hodge. Robert's life was a testament to the power of positivity and the strength of the human spirit.

From his humble beginnings in Elba, Robert emerged as a man of great character and resolve. He was a proud graduate of Elba High School, where he not only excelled academically but also served his peers as a dependable school bus driver. His quest for knowledge and self-improvement led him to complete Printing School and a Small Engine Repair Course at Wallace Community College, equipping him with skills that would serve him well throughout his life.

Robert dedicated many years to civil service at Ft. Novosel, working diligently in the printing department until his retirement. His colleagues remember him as a man who brought not just his expertise but also his warmth and generosity to the workplace every single day.

In his personal life, Robert was the epitome of love and dedication. He leaves behind his beloved wife of 61 years, Shirley M. Hodge, who was the cornerstone of his life. Together, they raised a family that includes their sons, Robert "Kent" (Audrey) Hodge and Raymond "Andy" (Melinda) Hodge, and their daughter, Robbie Ann (Bryan) Brookshire. Robert's legacy also lives on through his four cherished grandchildren, Chris (Julie) Hodge, Halee (Chris) Burdick, Andrew Hodge, and Timothy (Dorothy) Brookshire, as well as his six great-grandchildren, Peyton Hodge, Charli Hodge, Ella Hodge, Robert Brooks Hodge, Daniel Burdick, and Isabella Brookshire, who filled his life with immeasurable joy.

His siblings, Ralph Hodge, Mary Jane Crocker, Bertie Boland, Joe Hodge, Jr., and Randle Hodge, along with several nieces and nephews, remember Robert as a guiding light and a source of unwavering support. Though he was preceded in death by his sister, Peggy McIntosh, and his daughter-in-law, Denise Hodge, the love and wisdom he imparted remain a cherished part of their lives.

Robert's interests and attributes painted the picture of a man who was truly one of a kind. Despite being born with a club foot, he never allowed it to diminish his zest for life or his ability to care for others. His children recall him as their best friend and Dad, a man who was not only meek and humble but also possessed an abundance of common sense. He never met a stranger, and his ability to connect with others was nothing short of remarkable.

A celebration of Robert's extraordinary life will be held at 11 am Saturday, January 6, 2024, at Sunset Funeral Home Chapel, with Rev. Donnie Marler officiating. Robert will be laid to rest in Sunset Memorial Park, leaving behind a legacy of love and kindness that will continue to inspire all who knew him. The family will receive friends at the funeral home on Saturday from 10-11 am.

To encapsulate the essence of Robert's life, one is reminded of the inspiring words of Ralph Waldo Emerson: "To know even one life has breathed easier because you have lived. This is to have succeeded." Robert L. Hodge lived by this adage, touching countless lives with his gentle spirit and boundless compassion.

His story is not one of sorrow but a celebration of a life well-lived, a life that serves as a beacon of hope and love. Robert's unwavering commitment to his family, his friends, and his community will continue to motivate and guide us. His memory will forever be a source of comfort and inspiration, reminding us that even in the darkest of times, the human spirit can shine brightly.

Sunset Memorial Park Funeral Home (334) 983-6604 www.SunsetMemorialPark.com