Howard Wilbur Hodge Sr., age 96, of Gastonia passed away Tuesday, April 16, 2024.

Howard Wilbur Hodge Sr., age 96, of Gastonia passed away Tuesday, April 16, 2024.

Wilbur was a native of Rutherford County, a retired postal service employee, member of West Point Baptist Church and a U.S. Navy Veteran of WW II.

Those preceding him in death include his wife Frennilee Gilliam Hodge, grandson Marshall G. Abrams, parents William Roy Hodge and Lavada Jones Hodge; siblings Archie Hodge, Molena Randall, Chloie Smawley, Viola Bland, Hub Hodge and Rebecca McDowell

Those left to cherish his memory include his children Wilbur Hodge Jr. (Louann), Linda H. Henry (Gary), Nancy H. Browning, Dorothy H. Abrams (Lee), Nadine H. Kimsal (Doug); grandchildren Toby Henry; Jody Henry and children Brooke, Lauren and Maddie; Stephanie Matthews (Randy) and children Maggie (Drew) Turner, Wesley and Robert; Mischele Doggett and children Molly and Alex; Lacey (Chess) Roach and children Emily, Sophia, Lydia and Winnie; Nathan (Roxanne) Hodge and children Adalynn and Bryson; Chelsey (Sean Barber) Abrams and children Sadie and Waylon Ferguson and Vada J. Barber; Lindy Abrams, Holden (Whitney) Abrams and children Charlea, Lyza and Ryan; Paul (Krissy) Kimsal and children Everly, Stella and Lucy; Ben (Karen) Kimsal and children Kole, Duke and Jett; and Emma Kimsal; brother Wayne Hodge and sister Dianne Booth as well as many nieces and nephews.

A celebration of the life was held April 22 at West Point Baptist Church with Rev. Ad Hopper officiating.

The family respectfully asks that in lieu of flowers donations be made to Shriners Children's Hospital Rocky Point Dr., Tampa, Fl. 33607 or St. Jude's Children's Hospital at www.stjude.org