Obituary of Eddie Robert Hodges, Sr.

Eddie Robert Hodges, Sr. born on August 6, 1962 to the late Mary Fisher Hodges and James Houston Hodges. He was the middle son, five boys, born to the union. He accepted Christ as his Savior at an early age and was baptized at the family church, Second Baptist Church, in Battle Creek, Michigan. Eddie Sr. attended Battle Creek Public Schools and was a 1980 graduate of Battle Creek Central High School. After graduating from Battle Creek Central High School, He went on to study at Kellogg Community College where he earned his Associates Degree in Arts/Communications. After graduation, Eddie Sr. was appointed Assistant Manager of Mr’s B’s Warehouse in Battle Creek. He started with the company in 1984 before moving up to department manager and manager trainee. Eddie Sr. joined Christian Life Center and was an active member, working in security and coaching the women’s softball team. In 1991, Eddie Sr. met Kimel Burton Hall. They were married in 1992 and together raised their four children Dustin Hall, Alexandria Hall, Eddie Robert Hodges Jr., and Samantha Hodges. Eddie Sr. found his passion in sales. One of his proudest moments was working with Lucent Technologies when he landed the account for the new FedEx Forum, home to the Memphis Grizzlies and was a part of the telecommunications installations team. Years later he decided to continue his education and studied to attain his Bachelor’s Degree from Western Michigan University. Eddie Sr. later married Annette Hodges on June 8th, 2007. They have known each other since 1978, when they met in Mrs. Dawson’s typing class and became the best of friends. They ended up meeting later on in life and their friendship led to a beautiful blended family Ed’ 4 children and Annette’s son Justin Thompson - together they lovingly shared their 5 children. Eddie Sr. was a force of nature, determined to provide for his family, and he was driven to give them the life he felt they deserved. His family meant more to him than anything else in the world, which is why he was known as the “family historian.” Eddie Sr. was known for taking pictures and capturing all the special moments in life. He was unendingly proud of Dustin, Alexandria, Eddie Jr, Samantha, Justin and Annette and always tried his best to support them. Eddie Sr. was a very talented actor and always a professional. Most recently, in 2018 he was part of a traveling troop with the stage play “The Meeting,” a fictional meeting between Malcom X and Dr. Martin Luther King where Ed played the led role of MLK. He also appeared in two shows with the Face Off Theatre Company: George C. Wolfe’s “The Colored Museum” and Company Member Micealaya “Mickey” Moses’ “Rich Soil”. Other works included August Wilson’s “The Piano Lesson”, “Of Mice and Men,” “Two Trains Running,” “Miss Evers Boys” and “Tuskegee Airmen” plus numerous others. Ed also shared his talents with All Ears Theatre, a radio theater group in Kalamazoo, Michigan. He made those who worked with him better actors and directors. His energy was one that emitted positivity and his words were always encouraging. Eddie Sr. was also a passionate golfer and could often be found on the golf course when he wasn’t at home. He learned the game of golf from his father, and enjoyed playing with his family and friends. It didn’t matter what time of the day it was, if the golf course is open he will find a time to play. Anyone who knew Eddie Sr. knew that he was the most loving father and husband a family could ask for. He departed life at 8:05 a.m. Friday, January 8, 2021. Eddie Sr. was preceded in death by his parents, Mary Hodges, James Hodges; his brothers Jerome Hodges, Lenny Hodges and Howard Hodges, and niece Tamesha Hodges. He leaves with cherished memories, a loving and devoted wife, Annette Hodges, children Dustin (Patrina) Hall, Alexandria Hall, Eddie Robert (Sierra) Hodges, Jr., Samantha (Chris B.) Hodges, Justin Thompson, the mother of his children Kimel Hodges, two granddaughters Kylie and Naomi and one little blessing on the way; brothers Kevin Hodges, Stephen (Keenya) Hodges, sister Delphia Brewington, step- sisters Angela (Alvin) Nunnery, Candace Mosley, step-mother Yvonne Hodges, nephews, nieces and close cousins. Life-long Brothers-Friends Walt Dozer, Earl (Elaine) Lett, Eric (Diane) Montgomery and Anthony (Redise) Bradley.