Joseph Howard Hodges

Joseph (Joe) Howard Hodges, 65, of Englewood, Florida passed away on Friday, December 28th at home with his family by his side. He was born November 15, 1953 in Terre Haute, Indiana and moved to Englewood, Florida with his parents at the age of two. His mom, Thelma (Loretta) fostered his artistic aptitude and love of music and for this, he was a talented songwriter and musician. He learned to play the guitar at the age of 9 and would continue to perfect the craft all his years, playing with many bands on many stages all his life. He could build anything with wood, skills he acquired as a boy from his dad, Howard, as they built sailboats and countless structures through the years. Together they competed in sailboat races and this is where his nautical knowledge would begin. An avid fisherman and boater, he knew all the right places to drop a line or cast a net and he knew the local gulf channels like the back of his hand. Always adventurous, he learned to windsurf, competed and placed in competition. He married the love of his life, Vicky Pringle on August 25th, 1972. Together, they built a home on Palm Island and soon had their daughter Sonya in 1982. He was known in this quaint town as a funny, loving, charismatic man who would do anything for his friends, a modest, hard-working man who loved his family and a gifted and respected musician. He began his career with the United Telephone Company in 1973, and would later retire in 2007, when he and Vicky would relocate to Nashville, Tennessee. There he would begin flipping houses and continue to play music, ride motorcycles, and travel with his family. Harrison, his only grandson was born in 2014, when he immediately began to teach him guitar cords. He was so proud to be called G-Pop. 2014 would also mark the year he began his battle with cancer. The last of those years he spent in great strength, he was always humble and optimistic. He will forever be remembered, by any who knew him, to always be smiling, laughing and joking around. He will remain in our hearts a thoughtful and passionate man who loved his family sincerely, and he will be deeply loved and missed. Joe is survived by his wife, Vicky Hodges of 46 years, his daughter Sonya Rhodes, son-in-law Jonathan Rhodes, grandson Harrison Rhodes. He was preceded in life by his parents Howard and Thelma (Loretta) Hodges. Memorial contributions may be made to the Sun Coast Humane Society, 6781 San Casa Drive, Englewood, Florida 34224 in memory of Joe Hodges. Englewood Community Funeral Home with Private Crematory has been selected to handle arrangements. You may share a memory with the family at www.englewoodfh.com