Eddie Valson Hodges

Mr. Eddie Hodges, 83, a loving family leader, honorable and astute businessman, and lifelong supporter of his beloved Abilene passed away on March 3rd into the loving arms of his Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ. He attended Abilene High School where he was an athletic standout in football and baseball. He was named Texas Football All Star by the Coaches Association, and in 1950 was chosen to be in the annual Shrine Oil Bowl Football classic; afterwards he was named top player for Texas. He set records at the State Baseball tournament, including the highest batting average for the tournament of .625 which stood for over fifty years. He also played football alongside Grant Teaff. Mr. Hodges attended Texas Tech University on a football and baseball scholarship, and then transferred to McMurry College on an athletic scholarship due to the untimely death of his mother and younger brother. He graduated with a Bachelor’s degree in Finance, and then earned a Master’s Degree in Finance from American College. He also earned professional designations for Chartered Life Underwriter, Chartered Finance Consultant, and Registered Investment Advisor. He later became a trustee of his beloved McMurry College. He met Nelda Ruth Kunkel after she moved to Abilene from Miles, Texas. He was always quick to tell everyone that the best decision he ever made in his life was to ask her to marry him! They forged a solid and loving partnership that endured for over sixty-one years. They experienced much joy in raising four wonderful children: three daughters and a son. Mr. Hodges is survived by his wife, Nelda, and his children: Charisse Pruett (and husband Jim) of Canyon; Michelle Brookshire (and husband Tim) of Tyler; Suzette Hodges of Abilene; and Eddie Hodges, Jr. of Dallas. He is also survived by three grandchildren Heather Pruett Taylor of Canyon, Emma Brookshire and Bruce Brookshire of Tyler. He is also survived by two great grandchildren Brooklyn and Beckham Taylor of Canyon. He was preceded in death by his parents Henry Valson “Shorty” Hodges and Juanita Kenner Hodges, and a younger brother Bobby. In 1951 his mother, brother and uncle were killed in a tragic auto accident returning from a Billy Graham crusade in Fort Worth. Following the incident Reverend Billy Graham traveled to Abilene to perform the memorial services for all three family members. He opened his company Financial Planning, Inc. in 1965. He served a long list of devoted clients, for whom he managed assets for individuals, benefit funds for businesses, and large pension funds for corporations. He retired in 2001. One of his notable talents was his ability to spot investment opportunities around the area that were overlooked or out of favor. This allowed him to purchase quality real estate properties and invest in several other startup business ventures. He served as a bank director for Security State Bank from 1988 until 1998. He was a respected, trusted and dedicated business professional. Shortly before he retired he and Nelda acquired the Hord’s Creek Ranch in Coleman. The Hodges enjoyed this family retreat where they celebrated many family holidays, birthdays, anniversary celebrations, family reunions, and charitable events. The family will hold fondly many memories of Easter egg hunts, watching the daffodils grow, and hunting on this remarkable property. All around town we find beneficiaries of the Hodges’ generosity including generous gifts and leadership service to the Abilene Philharmonic Orchestra where he served as Chairman of the Association, the Foundation and the Guild for sixty years. He was a strong volunteer in the Abilene Chamber of Commerce, Chairman of the Parks Board and served on the Senior Citizens Advisory Board. He was a faithful member of First United Methodist Church. One of his proudest contributions is that he and Nelda, along with several other families, helped bring Young Life to Abilene. In 1996 Mr. Hodges sponsored the Robert Schuller “Possibility Living” Conference at the Abilene Civic Center. He and Nelda also initiated the Eddie and Nelda Hodges Foundation in 1987, awarding many meaningful grants to worthwhile causes. Several years ago he honored his wife with the establishment of the Nelda Hodges Young Artist Competition Endowment to inspire and reward young people’s love of music. Eddie Hodges was an honorable, forthright and courageous man of his word, who persevered through tough times, was generous during prosperous times, and who led by example his enduring faith in his Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. He was known as being the best at whatever he did. Whether he was winning successive citywide racquetball championships, or winning the club golf championship, or being the outstanding life insurance producer nationwide year over year in his chosen profession, he was always considered the “hallmark competitor” at whatever he set his mind to accomplish. His will to succeed was larger than life. In lieu of flowers, please make donations to the Abilene Philharmonic’s “Nelda Hodges Young Artist Competition Endowment”, 401 Cypress Street, Suite 520, Abilene 79601; or to the First United Methodist Church; or to Young Life of Abilene. Graveside services will be held at 11:00 a.m. Monday, March 7, in Elmwood Memorial Park with Rev. Jeff Zirkle officiating. The family will receive friends at a visitation from 4 to 6 p.m. Sunday, March 6, at The Hamil Family Funeral Home, 6449 Buffalo Gap Road in Abilene. Online condolences may be submitted at www.HamilFamilyFuneralHome.com.