Judge Richard Lee Hodge passed away at his home today after a long battle with cancer. At his side was his wife, Linda Stieb Hodge. Judge Hodge has one son, Matthew M. Fox, and one daughter-in-law, Julie Strickland Fox. His grandchildren are Sarah Camille, Matthew and William Hodge Fox. They loved their “Grumpa”.
Richard has one sister, Sandra Hodge Farnsworth and a brother-in-law, David of Americus. Their children, Richard’s niece and nephew are, Mary Beth Farnsworth Oliver and James “Boo” Farnsworth. A great nephew is Hudson Townes Oliver. Richard was preceded in death by his parents, Clyde and Mary Hodge.
Richard was an integral part of Linda’s family. One sister-in-law, Lani Stieb Dill and her husband Alan reside in Denver; another sister-in-law, Sandra Stieb Klos resides in Albany. His niece Ashlee Klos Daniel and her husband D.J., who have one daughter, Richard’s great-niece, Penbrooke, are also of Albany. A brother-in-law, Jeff Stieb and his wife Lisa and nephews, Joe, Matthew, and Andrew reside in Weymouth, MA.
Judge Hodge considered the members of the U.S. Courts of the Middle and Southern Districts of Georgia to be extended family. In particular are his law clerks, Alicia Brown and Maria Dickerson.
Richard attended Albany High School, graduated from Darton College, Georgia Southwestern and Mercer Law School. He served four years in the United States Air Force as a White House Communications Specialist. Although he was a member of many organizations, his great passions were family, friends, fishing, boating, biking, Georgia football, car racing and his lake place.
Richard will be missed by all who knew him, including those who appeared before him in court. He was known to be fair and treated all with dignity. The family would like to give a special thanks to the Albany Community Hospice and to everyone who shared their time and love.
Instead of flowers please make charitable donations to the Salvation Army, 308 W. 2nd Ave., Albany, GA 31701, Food Bank of Southwest Georgia, 2800 Phillips Dr. Albany, GA 31721 or Albany Community Hospice 320 Foundation Ln., Albany, GA 31707.
A visitation will be held at Kimbrell-Stern on Friday June 18, 2010 from 5:00 PM to 7:00 PM. A private service with military honors will be held in Andersonville National Cemetery at a later date.
You may sign the online guest book and share your own special thoughts with the family of Judge Hodge by visiting Kimbrell-Stern’s website at www.kimbrellstern.com
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