Wendell Calvin Hodges

Guyton – Wendell Calvin Hodges, 85, departed his earthly home and entered his eternal heavenly home on Monday, September 14, 2026.

Wendell was born in November 1940 in the tiny rural community of Rye Patch, Georgia in Long

County. His younger years were full of the best of times with his countless cousins and friends in Long and Liberty County. He later attended school in Chatham County, graduating from Savannah High School in 1958. After graduation, he attended the Southern Technical Institute in Atlanta and became a master draftsman.

In 1964, Wendell answered the call to duty and enlisted in the Georgia Army National Guard. He

proudly served his country during the Vietnam War era as an artilleryman in Savannah’s historic

118th Field Artillery Regiment. Following his military service, he transitioned his legacy of dedication to a civilian career, beginning a long, fulfilling 42-plus-year journey with the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, Savannah District. His work on civilian and military installations was frequently and consistently recognized with Service Excellence awards. Some of his most rewarding work with the Corps revolved around his many assignments providing disaster relief and recovery, frequently deploying all over the United States as part of Emergency Operations teams responding to natural disasters like floods and hurricanes. He made countless lifetime friends during his years with the Corps.

In 1961, he met and married the love of his life, Sherron Tuten Hodges. They built a life in Port

Wentworth, Georgia, and later in Guyton, Georgia, where they raised their 3 children, spoiled their 6 grandchildren and 5 great-grandchildren. Their home and hearts also welcomed and loved dozens of foster children over several decades in Effingham County.

Wendell was not a man of many words but showed his enormous heart and unconditional love

through his actions. He was the fiercest protector of his family and led his godly life steady, quiet, and real. For those that experienced his deep love and affection, it will always be remembered. He loved fishing, his Georgia Bulldogs and Georgia Southern Eagles, and nothing made him happier than spending the day with his family watching football and sitting out by a fire. In typical draftsman fashion, he was always tinkering with something and built countless models for his children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren to cherish.

He is predeceased by his parents, Alton C. and Eleanor W. Hodges, a brother, Palmer C. Hodges, his wife of 64 years and the love of his life, Sherron Tuten Hodges, and his beloved son Charles Wendell Hodges.

Wendell is survived by his daughter, Cheryle Hodges Hartzog (Eric) of Springfield, GA, and son Michael A. Hodges (Margaret) of Charleston, SC. His six beautiful grandchildren: Zachary, Jessica (Ross), Gracie (Anthony), Lucas, Ashley, and Mary Louise. And his 5 adored great-grandchildren who affectionately called him Old Papa: Meadow, Mitch, Jonah, Charli, and Eliza.

Wendell’s gentle spirit, kind heart, unconditional love, work ethic, and love of Jesus will forever live in the hearts of his children, grandchildren and precious great grandchildren.

“I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith” — 2 Timothy 4:7

A private graveside service will be held to honor Wendell’s memory. Your thoughts and prayers are deeply appreciated.