Billy Joe Hodge “Pap”, 79, of Elizabethton, went home to be with the Lord and his beloved wife, Helen Maxine Hodge, on Friday, April 6, 2018, at his residence.
A native of Gap Creek, he was the son of the late Lloyd and Clara Smith Hodge. Father to Joseph Mark Hodge and Lora Jane Hodge, and grandfather to Joseph Tanner Hodge and Cierra Brooke Hodge. He was a retired maintenance mechanic at Baxter Pharmaceuticals of Johnson City.
In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by sisters, Luvenia Hodge and Christine Ellis; brother, Harold L. Hodge; nephew, Michael L. Hodge; and niece, Marsha Riley.
Joe was an avid fan of all things western and NASCAR. He enjoyed being outdoors, watching his grandchildren play sports, and working on cars. Joe was a great friend to all that knew him and always quick to help others over himself. His pride and joy were his children and grandchildren and mentoring them into becoming who they are today.
Survivors include his children, Joseph Mark Hodge and wife Kimberly Hodge, Fall Branch, Tenn., and Lora Jane Hodge, Elizabethton, Tenn.; two grandchildren, Joseph Tanner Hodge and wife Hannah Ruth Hodge, Knoxville, Tenn., and Cierra Brooke Hodge, Fall Branch, Tenn.; brother, Lee Roy Hodge and wife Diane, Jonesborough, Tenn.; three sisters, Jean Moffitt and husband Jim, and Linda Dykes and husband Arville, all of Johnson City, and Tonya Mottern and husband David, Smyrna, Tenn.; his sister-in-law, “Jackie” Hodge; and several nieces and nephews.
Funeral services will be held at 3 p.m. Wednesday, April 11, at Memorial Funeral Chapel with Pastor Greg Wagner officiating. The graveside service will follow in the Lyons Cemetery. The family will receive friends from 2 to 3 p.m. Wednesday at the funeral home. “Tomorrow hopes we have learned something from yesterday,” John Wayne. Condolences may be sent to the family at our website: www.memorialfcelizabethton.com
Memorial Funeral Chapel is serving the Hodge family.