James Clayton Hodges

January 11, 2015 Mr. James Clayton Hodges, age 83, of Forrest City, Arkansas, went to be with Jesus on Thursday, January 8, 2015. He had made Forrest City his home for his entire life. Born on January 17, 1931, he was the youngest of five children born to the late Reuben Hodges, Sr. and Rosa Emerson Hodges. Preceding him in death were his brother, Ruben Hodges, Jr., and a sister, Annie Mae Parker Dover. He is survived by his wife (married for 62 years), Helen Jeanette Hodges of Forrest City; daughter, Janet Cagle and husband , Mike of Conway, Ar.; son, William Royce 'Billy' Hodges and wife, Mary of Benton, Ar.; brother, Gene Hodges and wife, Evelyn of Forrest City; also Jesse Hodges and wife, Barbara of Jonesboro. James spent 42 years in the Arkansas Army National Guard. His devotion to his family led him to deny time away for commissioned officers' training. Therefore, many years he held the position of first sergeant in the local guard unit. As a telegraph operator and clerk with the railroad for 39 years, he was adept at using Morse Code. His duties ranged from typing train orders, keeping up-to-date with federal regulations for railroad transportation, operating a teletype and checking the level of the St. Francis River at Madison, Ar. Serving his Lord and Savior in various capacities (a deacon for 59 years and a Sunday School teacher) was near and dear to his heart. A priority for him was leading his family in daily Bible devotional time and prayer. He enjoyed many different kinds of sports, but especially baseball and football. Family vacations to various locations in the United States and visiting Branson on numerous occasions were always fun. Services for Mr. Hodges will be held at the First Baptist Church in Forrest City, 2:00 P.M., Tuesday, January 13, 2015 with Dr. Gene Crawley, officiating, and eulogy given by Wayne McFall. Visitation will be at the church, Tuesday, 1:00 P.M. until the time of the service. Music will be presented by Eddie Fleeman, soloist, and Wrenetta Austin, organist. Pallbearers are Mike Cagle, Lewis Etheridge, Barry Hodges, R.E. Hodges, Jody Nail, and Raymond Parker. Honorary pallbearers are the Adult Men's Sunday School Class at First Baptist Church, Forrest City. Burial will be at Forrest Park Cemetery. Memorial donations should be given to First Baptist Church, 507 N. Rosser, Forrest City, Ar. 72335. Stevens Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements. You may log on to stevensfuneralhome.net for the on line registry.

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James Clayton Hodges

January 17, 1931 - January 8, 2015