John Wayne Hodge

John Wayne Hodge, age 71, passed away Sunday, September 22, 2019 at the VA Hospital in Nashville, TN.  He was born in Fonde, KY, raised in Detroit, MI, and then moved his family to Cleveland, TN in 1974.  At that time they became members at North Cleveland Church of God where he served on The First Impressions Ministry, Bus Ministry, & member of the church choir.  Johnny retired from the United States Post Office and the United States Army.

John is a veteran of the Vietnam War and Desert Storm War, and was in the 377th U.S Army Combat Support Hospital, and served a total of 20 years in service.  He earned several medals and awards including:  Vietnam’s Cross of Gallantry with Palm, Army Service Ribbon, National Defense Service Metal, Bronze Service Star, Army Lapel Button, Army Reserve Components Achievement Medal, Professional Development Ribbon, 377th Family Support Group Honor, Army Commendation Metal, and others. 

He also earned several achievements, degrees, and certificates which include:  Diploma of Health Science, Trama Life Support Medical Specialist, TVA Emergency Medical Technician, EMT, Appreciation Award from the Mobile Army Surgical Hospital, and LPN Degree, USPS Special Achievement Award in recognition of Noble Performance, and the USPS Certificate of Appreciation. 

John is proceeded in death by his wife of 35 years, Margaret “Ann” Hodge; his parents, Perry and Georgia Hodge; three brothers, Ronnie, Rollie, and Hobert Hodge; one sister, Phyllis Smit; father- and mother-in-law, Harvey and Neta Mae Satterfield; and brothers-in-law, James Harold Satterfield and Bob Coker. 

John is survived by his son, Jeff Hodge, and daughter, Tammy Massengill (Dave Denton).  He also leaves behind five grandchildren, Hunter Massengill, Emily Massengill, Michael Hodge, Kimberly Hodge, and Abby Hodge; one great grandchild, Halle Massengill; two brothers, Bob (Helen) Hodge and Bill (Sharon) Hodge; brothers- and sisters-in-law, John Smit; Ricky (Rene) Satterfield, Mary Satterfield, Ruth Coker, Evelyn Byerline, Dennis (Linda) Satterfield, Lavonda (Larry) Bolin, Darlene (David) Sampson, Jeanette (Jim) Phillips, Barbara Jean Satterfield; and several nieces and nephews also survived.

A celebration of John's life will be conducted at 2:00 p.m. on Thursday, September 26, 2019, in the chapel of Ralph Buckner Funeral Home and Crematory with Reverend Jim Phillips and Reverend Ricky Satterfield conducting the service.  Concluding service will follow in Benton Memorial Gardens with full military honors, a white dove release ceremony, and the playing of bagpipes.

The family will receive friends from 12:00 p.m. to 2:00 p.m. on Thursday at the funeral home prior to the service.

We invite you to send a message of condolence and view the Hodge family guestbook at www.ralphbuckner.com.