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Former Watauga Clerk of Court Hodges Passes Away Wednesday, ‘True Friend’ and ‘Pillar of Community’ Funeral Set For Saturday Morning at First Baptist

By Jesse Wood

March 20, 2013. Former Watauga County Clerk of Court Glenn Hodges passed away at 11 a.m. on Wednesday, March 20, according to friends of the family. 

Glenn Hodges
Glenn Hodges

Current Watauga County Clerk of Court Diane Cornett Deal worked with Hodges for the entire 16 years that Hodges held that elected position. Hodges, who was an active in the Watauga County Democratic Party, retired from the clerkship in 2009. 

“He was a wonderful boss, but most of all he knew how to be a true friend to people … I am going to miss that friendship,” Deal said. “This county is going to miss him because he has been one of those people that has been a pillar of the community.”

Billy Ralph Winkler, who has described Hodges as like a “second daddy,” announced Hodges’ death on Facebook Wednesday afternoon.

Winkler wrote, “We were all so blessed by this incredible man and the wonderful family raised in true partnership with Betty Ann. Be in prayer for the family and for all of us who loved him.”

A widower, Hodges was married to Betty Ann Hagaman Hodges for 48 years.

Others responded to the post by mentioning his outstanding Christian character.

The funeral for D. Glenn Hodges will be held on Saturday morning, at 11:00 a.m. at First Baptist Church in Boone. Officiating will be Rev. Roy Dobbins of First Baptist Church, Boone and Rev. Jonathan Taylor of Westwood Baptist Church in Roxboro. Visitation will be held on Friday evening from 5:00 – 8:00 p.m. at the First Baptist Church in Boone.

The family respectfully requests no flowers and suggests memorials to the First Baptist Church of Boone “Rise Up” Campaign, 375 West King Street, Boone, NC 28607 or to the Westwood Baptist Church of Roxboro “Pressing On Finishing Strong,” PO Box 183, Roxboro, NC 27573.

Online condolences may be shared with the Hodges family at www.austinandbarnesfuneralhome.com.

Obituary From Austin & Barnes

Glenn Hodges finished his race of faith on March 20, 2013 at his home surrounded by the family that he loved.

Glenn was born on February 5, 1934 in Boone, the third of four children born to Benjamin Franklin Hodges and Marilla Love Hodges. Glenn was preceded in death by his beloved wife of forty-eight years Betty Ann Hagaman Hodges, as well as his parents and siblings: Eula May McGhee, Betty Ruth McFarland and Kenneth Earl Hodges. He was also preceded in death by a grandson Kenny Turner.

Glenn was raised on the family farm here in Watauga County and was educated at Appalachian Elementary School, Appalachian High School and Appalachian State Teachers College. His professional training also included classes at Harvard University, Cambridge, MA, Management Training Class, San Jose, CA, and Center for Creative Leadership, Greensboro, NC.

Glenn honorably served his country in the US Army in Korea. He was also a member of the American Legion and Disabled American Veterans.

Glenn retired in 2009 after serving for seventeen years as Watauga County Clerk of Superior Court. Prior to that he served as Plant Manager of the Boone Plant and Manager of Operations in Newland for IRC/TRW.

Glenn was a devoted follower of Christ and loved his church family at First Baptist Church, Boone. He faithfully served as a Deacon, Brotherhood President, Sunday School Teacher, Youth Volunteer, Usher, and Chairman of the Education & Recreation Committee. In 2005 his church family recognized Glenn for fifty years of service as an Usher. In addition he also served the Three Forks Baptist Association as an Officer and Trustee.

Glenn loved his community and served his fellow citizens throughout his life. Many years ago he helped organize Watauga Opportunities and the Watauga County Little League. His civic memberships included Boone Jaycees and Early Bird Kiwanis Club. He also served on the New River Mental Health Association, NC Council for Business & Industry, Watauga County Medical Center Board of Trustees, Watauga County United Way Board of Directors, Watauga County Public Library Board of Directors, Watauga County March of Dimes, Watauga County Relay for Life, Watauga County Local School Advisory Board, North Carolina Advisory Council on Local Affairs, Caldwell Community College Advisory Board, Blue Ridge Electric Community Leaders Council and State Employees Credit Union Advisory Board.

Glenn’s political service included serving as a Watauga County Commissioner, Young Democrats President, Watauga County Democrat Executive Committee and Congressional District Chairman.

Glenn was the recipient of various awards and recognitions including Jaycee’s Outstanding Young Citizen, Watauga County Distinguished Service Award, Community Recognition Award by Boone Chamber of Commerce, Judicial Branch of Government Meritorious Service Award and Watauga County Democrat Party Hall of Fame. In 2009 Glenn was awarded the Order of the Long Leaf Pine, one of North Carolina’s highest honors.

Glenn’s greatest achievement is the legacy of faith and steadfast love he leaves to his beloved family. This family includes his son Gerald Hodges and wife Susan of Roxboro, NC; daughters Anna Lynn Turner and husband Michael of Boone; and Carol Lea Liles and husband Klee of Boone. He also leaves behind his grandchildren: Bradley Hodges and wife Marci of Apex, NC; Brian Hodges and wife Elise of Arlington, VA; Julianna Turner and fiancé Jamie Reece of Boone; Kaden Liles of Boone; Mary Edwards and husband Dustin and their children of Newton, NC and Daniel Turner and son of Hickory. Glenn’s Great-grandchildren include: Ellie Ruth Hodges, Jane Ann Hodges, Larkin John Hodges and John Arthel Hodges of Apex, NC. He is also survived by several nieces and nephews whom he loved and encouraged in so many ways. To most of them Glenn was more like a dad than an uncle.

The funeral for D. Glenn Hodges will be held on Saturday morning, at 11:00 AM at First Baptist Church in Boone. Officiating will be Rev. Roy Dobbins of First Baptist Church, Boone and Rev. Jonathan Taylor of Westwood Baptist Church in Roxboro. Visitation will be held on Friday evening from 5:00 – 8:00PM at the First Baptist Church in Boone.

The family respectfully requests no flowers and suggests memorials to the First Baptist Church of Boone “Rise Up” Campaign, 375 West King Street, Boone, NC 28607 or to the Westwood Baptist Church of Roxboro “Pressing On Finishing Strong”, PO Box 183, Roxboro, NC 27573.

Online condolences may be shared with the Hodges family at www.austinandbarnesfuneralhome.com.

Austin & Barnes Funeral Home & Crematory is serving the Hodges family.