Arnold Gray Hodges

Arnold Gray Hodges, age 70, of Sanford, NC, passed away Monday, February 8, 2021 at his home.

He was born in Surry County, NC on January 8, 1951 to the late Coley Walter Hodges and Dixie Whitt Hodges.  In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by sisters Minnie H. Draughn and Mary H. Bunn.  Arnold graduated from Greenwood High School and farmed throughout his life. He worked at Mac’s Business Machines for over 25 years.  He was a man of many talents; beekeeping, woodworking, working a greenhouse, growing Sheree’s turnip salad patch, fishing and could fix anything.  He was a bus driver for the Christian rock band Phat Chance and loved that gig.  He was a member and former deacon of Grace Chapel Church where he had a heart for the Youth Ministry and loved traveling with the youth on their yearly mission trips.  He traveled the world loving life and spreading the love of Jesus.  One of his favorite joys was being a Daddy and a Papa.

Arnold is survived by his loving wife Sheree McDuffie Hodges; daughters Amy Burns and husband Jonathan of Sanford, Melissa Tate and husband John of Vass; grandchildren Brandon Burns and wife Traci, Phillip Burns and wife Mayra, Sarah Tate and fiancé Chris, Noah Tate, Cooper Tate, Mason Tate and great-grandchildren Greyson Shouse, Natalie Burns and Easton Burns.  He is also survived by siblings Sally Bowman Morrison of Dobson, Coley Ray Hodges and wife Jean of Sanford, Gary Hodges and wife Teresa of Dobson, Carolyn Bullin and husband Dennis of Dobson; brothers-in-law Gene McDuffie and wife Vicky of Eden, Richard McDuffie and wife Susan of Sanford.  Drew Long, Jack Garrell and Justin Garrell, Grace Youth Members who became Arnold’s family.  In addition, he is survived by many special nieces, nephews, extended family and friends.  He will be missed.

The family will receive friends Friday, February 12, 2021 from 11:00 AM to 12:00 PM at Grace Chapel Church with the funeral service following at 12:00 PM with Pastor Joel Murr officiating.  Burial will follow in the church cemetery.  The family asks that if you attend the visitation and funeral service to please wear a mask and follow all COVID precautions. 

In lieu of flowers, please consider the following ministries at Grace Chapel Church; The Annie Belle Register Missionary Society or the Grace Chapel Church Youth Missions Fund, PO Box 1408, Sanford, NC 27331.

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