Obituary of Willie Joseph Hodge, Jr.

Cassatt – Funeral service for Willie Joseph Hodge, Jr., 88, will be held on Tuesday, March 25, 2025  at 11:00 a.m. at St. Timothy’s Lutheran Church in Camden, S.C. with burial to follow in Elmwood Cemetery in Columbia, S.C.   The family will receive friends Monday, March 24, 2025 from 5:00-7:00 p.m. at Powers Funeral Home, Lugoff.  In lieu of flowers, Memorials may be made to the American Cancer Society or St. Timothy’s Lutheran Church.

Mr. Hodge, husband of the late Debra L. Hodge, passed away at home on Friday, March 21, 2025.  Born in Columbia, S.C., he was the son of the late Willie Joseph Hodge, Sr. and Ethel Browder Hodge.  He retired as a MSGT from the United States Air Force where he served from 1955 until 1984.  He served in the Vietnam War.  While in the Air Force he received the Small Arms Expert Marksmanship Ribbon, AF Achievement Medal, Vietnam Campaign Medal, Vietnam Service Medal, Vietnam Gallantry Cross, Army Good Conduct Medal, Air Force Good Conduct Medal, AF Longevity Service Award, Presidential Unit Citation, Air Force Outstanding Unit Award, Air Force Commendation Medal and the National Defense Service Medal.

Mr. Hodge was a member of St. Timothy’s Lutheran Church, the American Legion and the KC Golden Club.  He enjoyed serving his church, coffee club and working in his yard.  His most proudest moments in life were marrying his wife, Debra;  becoming a father to seven wonderful children; and spending time and making memories with his family.

Surviving are his children, Anthony Hodge (Patti) of Ponte Vedra, Fla., John Hodge (Angie) of Somerset, Ky., Susan Hodge Barkley of Sumter, David Matthew Hodge of Columbus, Ohio, Dawn Tart (Jayme Gainey) of Cassatt, Christy Hopkins (Heath) of Bishopville, and Lee Tart, Jr. (Jennifer) of Lugoff; sisters, Muriel Schumpert of West Columbia and Catherine Senterfeit (Mike Kyzer) of West Columbia; 16 grandchildren; and numerous great-grandchildren.  He was predeceased by a grandson, Joshua Barkley; and brothers-in-law, Leroy Schumpert and Mike Senterfeit.