Robert Gwynn Hodges , age 84, of Moss Bluff, Louisiana, entered heaven's gates on Tuesday, May 12, 2020.
Bob was born July 2, 1935 in DeQuincy, Louisiana to the late Derbon and Oleta Mae Pirtle Hodges. He was the proud, less-attractive, but much younger brother of Derbon Hodges, Jr. and always knew his role. They lived to taunt and swap jabs, lovingly poking fun at each other until Bob's last days.
As a child, Bob was spoiled by his beloved grandmother, Tatty, and was treated unfairly by his teachers all through school. Consequently, at age 18, Bob joined the Army and proudly served his country during the Korean War. He loved to let people know he typed the fastest out of all the soldiers, so he eagerly accepted the role of "Radar" during the next few years overseas.
Upon his return, Bob frequently attended LSU football games with buddies and always could be found perched at the highest point of Tiger Stadium. In 1957, he began his career as an operator at Cities Service.
In mid 1963, with the help of devoted friends, he met Patricia Ann Dixon, on a blind date. The blind date blossomed quickly into a wedding date just six months later in early December that year.
As we all know, Bob was an avid Tiger Fan and in no time had his new bride cheering beside him -almost as loudly- for the next 56 years!
Together, and with God's hand, they raised two more avid Tiger Fans, hundreds of hogs (not Razorbacks), herds of cattle, a couple of cool horses and their fair share of stray cats and dogs. The happy family of four enjoyed many years worshipping the Lord together, visiting with grandparents on Sunday afternoons, playing dirty marbles, picking peas, hauling hay, raking pine needles, vacationing across the U.S., and of course, watching LSU football!
In his spare time, Bob continued to report to work regularly at Cities Service and later, Citgo Petroleum Refinery carrying a lunch box which always included a hot meal and sweet tea, but never a sandwich. He also showed up for each shift armed with sarcasm and his best wisecracks which we are almost certain helped him land the Shift Superintendent position he held at the time of his retirement in 1997.
Bob loved Jesus, his family, and LSU football with all his heart! ...but not necessarily all in that order.
He was a man of integrity and always saw the good in people first. Bob was a servant at heart and loved to help out strangers, friends, and family just the same. He would never recommend picking up a hitchhiker, being late for work, being a poor student, or making a big decision without prayer. He would absolutely encourage studying the bible, being a good steward, keeping pets outside of the home, taking down the American flag before a storm, and following the golden rule.
Bob loved hosting fish frys and crawfish boils for friends and family but did not enjoy stuffy gatherings which required a suit and tie. He loved spending time with his grandchildren and watching their various football and basketball games when he got the chance. Being a PawPaw wasn't for sissies as for as he was concerned and he quickly became a champion crab catcher on nighttime beach walks, zip-lined across Hawaii's Big Island like a pro, and white water rafted down the Colorado River on his 80th birthday! For Bob, time well spent included swigs of sweet tea and swinging on the porch swing. In fact, there is no doubt that both of his children and all of his grandchildren know the value of swigs and swing time today. As the years passed, Bob enjoyed countless hours on the front porch or garage in rockers with Pat, friends, and family. But, only those old rockers truly know the number of stories shared, prayers prayed, problems solved, and naps taken.
Now Bob didn't let Pat just sit around in a rocker, he took her to many places around the world. While the Rocky Mountains just outside Estes Park was a favorite stateside retreat for elk watching, Israel held their hearts. They ventured abroad several times with groups of people who became dear friends over the years. Bob so loved their trips and cherished the friendships created, but somehow nine of those trips to Israel still wasn't enough!
Bob moved to Little Rock, Arkansas on October 1st of last year after the sudden and incredible loss of his Patricia Ann. He spent these last 7 1/2 months entertaining his family, his faithful caregivers, and his fetching buddy, Gus.
Bob left for the most amazing trip ever in the early morning hours of Tuesday, May 12th! He will be greatly missed by his son, Matthew Hodges (Heather) of Covington, La., his daughter, Robbie Hodges Cash (Jon) of Little Rock, Ar., his "much older" brother, Derbon Hodges, Jr. and his dear sister-in-law, Nancy, both of Arlington, Tx., his five grandchildren, Jannie, Chelsey, Lyndsey, Brayden, and his namesake, Robert Cameron; four great grandchildren, Haley, Ian, Braelynn, and Abby; his sweet sister-in-law, Gerry Dixon; lots of nieces; three amazing caregivers, Cindy, Mike, and Vicki; his precious neighbors, his dear church family, and a host of wonderful friendships.
Bob Hodges loved others and he was loved! He was his son's hero, his daughter's prince, his wife's "silver fox", and his entire family's anchor! Bob left on his amazing trip to glory, but not without leaving his family countless cherished memories, an incredible example of Godly faithfulness, and his sense of humor. Not to mention... a closet full of purple and gold, and 3 entire cases of Vienna sausages!