Submitted by Marianna Chapel Funeral Home
Wendell Ray Hodges, Sr., age 80, of Cottondale, Florida, passed away on Saturday, December 1, 2018 in Dothan, Al. Wendell moved to Cottondale three years ago from Washington County. He attended Gulf Coast College where he earned his AA Degree and his Bachelors in Religious Education from Gulf Coast Seminary. He loved the Lord above everything and always put Him first. He served as deacon and a Sunday school teacher for 50 years. He was a member of First Baptist in Chipley for the last 13 years. Wendell was a member of the NRA. His children will remember him for being the BEST DAD EVER!
He was preceded in death by his first wife Mary Hodges, sister Faye Marie Perkins, and his nephew Tim Perkins.
Wendell is survived by his wife Lannie Hodges of Cottondale; sons Wendell Ray Hodges, Jr. and wife Carla of Crystal Lake, FL, Jonathan Waits and wife Stacy of Chipley, Jason Waits and wife Nancy of Chipley; three daughters Sandra G. Carroll and husband Mark of Lake Park, Georgia, Wendy L. Reynolds and husband Chuck of Fairview, TN, Jennifer Shea Groom and husband Ron of Panama City; three brothers Douglas Wayne Hodges and wife Nancy of Waycross, GA, William David Hodges and wife Gayle of Panama City, Samuel Riley Hodges and wife Gwen of Cottondale; three sisters Pearlie M. Smith and husband Robert of Augusta, GA, Janice N. Williams and husband Frank of Kynesville, Phyllis E. Chance of Marianna; brother-in-law Charles Herman Merchant and wife Jan, and sister-in-law Becky Null. Wendell is also survived by his Uncle Jake Hersey, 19 grandchildren, 10 great-grandchildren, numerous nieces, nephews, and great nieces and nephews.
Services for Wendell will be held at 11:30 A.M., on Wednesday, December 5, 2018 in the First Baptist Church of Chipley with Brother Mike Orr officiating. The family will receive friends from 10:00 A.M. until time of service. Interment will follow in Evergreen Memorial Gardens.
Marianna Chapel Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements. Expressions of sympathy may be submitted on line at www.mariannachapelfh.com.