Graham Keys Hodges

Graham Keys Hodges went to be at home with the Lord on the morning of Sunday, February 02, 2020.
Graham was born November 11, 1929 in Piney Flats, and lived his entire life in his family home. He was a son of Henry Homer Hodges and Ina Mae Range Hodges. In addition to his parents, he was also preceded in death by six siblings: J.R., Virginia, Homer, Justin, Christine, and Joy.
He is survived by his wife of 68 years, Peggy Jean Snyder Hodges. They met when he was 17 and she was 12, and married four years later. They were inseparable. Also surviving are his children: Rondy Lynn Hodges and wife Diana, Linda Kay Hodges Smith and husband, Larry, and Mark Edward Hodges and wife Vickie. Graham loved his 11 grandchildren: Alan Hodges, Spencer Hodges, Tyler Hodges (Samantha), Mackenzie Hodges Moore (Philip), Amy Lynn Coppedge, Daniel Smith (Vanessa), Sarah Smith King (Jonathan), Geoffrey Smith, Jaime Hodges Johnson (Steven), Riley Hodges Sturgill (Jeremiah), step-grandson Joseph Hurley (Lauren). His 9 great grandchildren are Allison Hodges, Kaylyn and Ryne Smith, Allison and Josiah Johnson, Pelegren Sturgill, Elizabeth Hodges, Izabella and Olivia Hurley.
He was a lifetime member of New Bethel Presbyterian Church, where he served as Elder. He retired after 50 years as a truck driver; he bought his own truck and began driving at 15, hauling sand. He was employed by ET&WNC for 30 years and TransCon for 8 years over the course of his driving career. He was a member of the local Teamsters Union, and remained active after his retirement. He was a veteran of the United States Army. He and Peggy served for many years delivering Meals On Wheels. He was a past member of the Piney Flats Ruritan Club.
He and Peggy spent many happy days at Roan Mountain campground, where he introduced his grandchildren to the joys of camping. He also loved bird-watching, identifying and feeding the many kinds of birds in his backyard year around, banishing any squirrels trying to take the birds’ food. Mowing was a favorite activity; his yard was neater than any others around. He was an amateur inventor in his younger years—he built an electric ice cream churn from a washing machine motor. He built a working apple cider press and hosted a demonstration for his granddaughter Sarah’s kindergarten class at his home.
He was a quiet man who loved his family, and when he spoke his words mattered. He liked to joke with his family, and gave nicknames to several of his grandchildren. He loved biscuits and gravy, and lots of pepper. His presence here will be greatly missed by his family and friends.
The family would like to thank Deanna White for her diligent and loving care in the past weeks, as well as Tony Clay, who has been a special friend to Graham and Peggy. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the New Bethel Memorial Fund, 592 New Bethel Road, Piney Flats, TN 37686.
The family will receive friends on Wednesday, February 5, 2020 at the New Bethel Presbyterian Church from 12:00 pm until 2:00 pm. A funeral service will be conducted at 2:00 pm under the direction of Dr. Angus Shaw. A committal service will follow in the New Bethel Cemetery immediately after the funeral.