Julian Eugene Hodges

Rev. Julian E. “Gene” Hodges, age 101, of Johnson City, Tennessee, passed away Thursday, September 5, 2024, at Hillview Healthcare Care Center in Elizabethton, Tennessee. 

Gene proudly served our country during World War II, surviving the sinking of the Yorktown during the Battle of Midway. Unable to continue sea duty, Gene served stateside where he met and married his wife, Jackie. They began their family and soon relocated to Gene’s hometown in Panama City, Florida 

Gene answered God’s call to ministry and began studies to prepare for the pastorate, serving as a Southern Baptist pastor in churches in Florida, Kentucky, Michigan, and Maryland for the next 60+ years. 

Gene learned to play the harmonica as a teenager and was known for always having a harmonica in his pocket – ready to play a tune. His favorite songs to play were hymns, but he taught himself to play Rocky Top after moving to Tennessee, and he played his harmonica well into this 101st year of his life. 

Jackie has been with Jesus since 2007, and they are survived by their four sons, Rev. Rick Hodges and wife Carla of High Point, NC., Bobby Hodges and wife Gayle of Panama City, Dr. Steve Hodges and wife Judy of Newport, VA., and Dr. Stan Hodges and wife Debbie of Johnson City; nine grandchildren; twenty great-grandchildren; and four great-great-grandchildren.

A visitation for Gene’s family and friends in Tennessee will be held on Tuesday, September 10, from 5:00-8:00 pm at Morris-Baker Funeral Home. Gene will travel to Panama City where family will receive friends on Friday, September 13, from 10:00 am – 12:00 pm at Callaway Baptist Church. A service will follow at Callaway Baptist Church led by Rev. Troy Varnum and Gene’s grandson, Pastor Craig Hodges. Interment will follow at Millville Cemetery. 

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Dr. and Mrs. J.E. Hodges Scholarship Fund at Baptist University of Florida in Graceville, FL. 

Memories and condolences may be shared with the family via www.morrisbaker.com and www.southerlandfamily.com 

Morris-Baker Funeral Home, 2001 E Oakland Ave, Johnson City (423) 282-1521 and Southerland Family Funeral Home, 100 E 19th St, Panama City (850) 785-8532 are honored to serve the Hodges family.