Roy Fagan Hodges, 100
November 9, 1924 – March 21, 2025
Roy Fagan Hodges, 100, passed away peacefully on Friday, March 21, 2025, at Tippah County Hospital in Ripley, MS. He was born on November 9, 1924, in Dumas, MS, to Lee and Inez Cappleman Hodges. He attended school in Wheeler and Baldwyn.
During World War II, Roy served in the United States Army Air Forces as a tail gunner on a B-24 Liberator with the Eighth Air Force. From 1944 to 1945, he flew 33 combat missions over Nazi-occupied Europe. His deep faith in God sustained him through the war, and upon returning home, he married Eugenia Faye “Jean” Storey Hodges in 1946. Together, they raised two daughters and a son, sharing 65 years of marriage.
Roy was a devoted member of Dumas Baptist Church, where he faithfully served as a deacon. Beyond his church involvement, he made significant contributions to Tippah County communities in various capacities. He served as Fire Chief of the Dumas Fire Department and as an Alderman. Roy was instrumental in establishing, upgrading, and improving the fire departments and rural water systems county wide. He was also a proud member of the Southeast Tippah Lions Club and the American Legion.
After 34 years of service with the Mississippi Forestry Commission, Roy retired in 1986. Even in retirement, his dedication to Tippah County continued as he served as Election Commissioner and Fire Coordinator. He also enjoyed raising cattle and gardening.
Visitation will be held on Tuesday, March 25, 2025, from 5:00 to 8:00 PM at Ripley Funeral Home in Ripley, MS. Funeral services with full military honors will be held at 11:00 AM on Wednesday, March 26, 2025, at Dumas Baptist Church in Dumas, MS, with Bro. Chris Shinall, Bro. Clay Stegall, and Bro. John Cagle officiating. Burial will follow in Dumas Cemetery.
Roy is survived by his daughters Phyllis Hill (Wayne) of Tiplersville and Pat Rowland (Charlie) of Booneville; his son Danny Roy Hodges (Janet) of Baldwyn; and eight grandchildren: Suzanne Shoup (Bryan) of Ripley, Barry Rowland (Michelle) of Amory, Christy Cagle (John) of Booneville, Brande Shackelford (Kevin) of Ripley, Allison Wood (Thomas) of Mantachie, Amy Smith (Shane) of Byhalia, Sam Hodges of Nashville, TN, and Seth Hodges of Dumas. He also leaves behind twelve great-grandchildren: Trevor Shoup, Thomas Shoup (Olivia), Blake Rowland, Brayden Rowland, Ross Shackelford, Reed Shackelford, Ella Reese Shackelford, Clayton Wood (Anna Reed), Brooke Wood, Carly Wood, Leah Smith, and Taylor Smith; two great-great-grandchildren, Easton Wood and Olivia Wood; and his brother, Ben Hodges of Texas, a fellow World War II veteran who is 102 years old. He is also survived by several nieces and nephews.
Additionally, Roy is survived by his wife of 10 years, Rachel Hodges of Ripley, and her children, Glen Michael (Lori), Franke Michael, and Penny Michael. He is also lovingly remembered by her nine grandchildren, Laken Green (Jake), Jonah Rinehart (Marleigh), Sarah Ann Michael, Mattie Bailey (Hunter), Cooper Rinehart, and Olivia Michael, as well as her five great-grandchildren.
Roy was preceded in death by his parents; his wife of 65 years, Jean Hodges; his brothers, Marlow Hodges and Charlie Hodges; and Rachel’s son, Gery Michael.
His grandchildren and great-grandchildren will serve as pallbearers.
In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to Gideons International, the Dumas Cemetery Fund, or My Choices of Ripley.
Please follow the funeral home link above for further information, or to send online condolences or memorial gifts.
