Joe Charles Hodges

Dr. Joe C. Hodges will be remembered by all who knew him as a man whose life was deeply inspired and informed by his stalwart Christian faith. In ways which were often quiet and unnoticed, he shared the redeeming love of Christ with all those he encountered. Born to Benjamin Archer and Gladys Hodges of Goldthwaite, TX, on December 9, 1935, Joe passed away on July 1, 2015, with family and friends at his side. After growing up in Goldthwaite, he graduated from Abilene Christian High School before earning a B.S. from Abilene Christian College. While there, he met the love of his life, Nancy Elaine Wilson of Memphis, TN, and they were married August 22, 1959. After completing his education as an Honors Graduate of Baylor University College of Dentistry, Joe and Nancy moved to San Diego, CA, where he served as a lieutenant in the US Navy. While stationed in California, they were blessed by the birth of their two children, Gregg and Michelle. They then moved back to Abilene where they made their home while Joe established his thriving dental practice. For over 52 years, Dr. Hodges was a staunch advocate for dental health and provided the very highest caliber of dental care to his patients. His passionate commitment to excellence and artistry in his work was recognized throughout the region and across the state. He served as President of the county dental society, studied continuously and led numerous seminars in order to enhance the quality of dental care in West Texas. In addition to his practice, Joe was deeply committed to advancing the Kingdom. Convicted of the importance of sharing the Gospel, he chaired the missions committee at Hillcrest Church of Christ for many years where he also served as deacon and elder. Demonstrating his compassion for those less fortunate, he also served on the board of Christian Homes of Abilene. Finally, Joe was a devoted husband, admired father and beloved grandfather. He dearly loved bird hunting, fishing, snow skiing and traveling the world with his close-knit family and friends. For many years, Daddy Joe and Mimi have been a fixture at their grandchildren’s athletic events and school performances while Camp Abilene has been a highly-anticipated adventure for the kids and their friends. Dr. Hodges was preceded in death by his parents as well as sisters Helen Mayr and Nelda Willingham. He is survived by his wife of 55 years, Nancy; their son William Gregory Hodges, M.D. of Dallas and his wife Laurie; their daughter Michelle Elaine Hodges of Fredericksburg; and four grandchildren Gresham, Archer, Palmer and Scout Hodges of Dallas. Pallbearers will be Dr. Terry Bawcom, Dewayne Chitwood, Archer Hodges, Rich Jeffries, Wesley Mayr, Ray Merrill, Dr. Allen Neece and Jordan Tuttle. Honorary pallbearers will be Dr. Tony Ash, Randy Becton, Don Drennan, Dr. Gary Foster, Dr. Tom Milholland, Dr. Royce Money, Randy Nicholson, Terry Potts, Dr. Bob Scott, David Swearingen, Roger Welch and Bill Young. The family will receive guests Monday, July 6, from 6:00 to 8:00 pm at The Hamil Family Funeral Home, 6449 Buffalo Gap Road. Funeral services will be held Tuesday, July 7, at 10:00 am at University Church of Christ officiated by Dwight Robarts, Gary McCaleb and Rusty McLen. There will be a visitation preceding the service beginning at 9:00 am. Burial will be at Oakview Cemetery in Mullin, TX, at 4:00 pm. Memorials may be made to Hendrick Hospice Care at 1682 Hickory, Abilene, 79601 or to The Covenant School of Dallas, 7300 Valley View Lane, Dallas TX, 75240.