Freddie Lee Hodges' Obituary
Freddie Lee Hodges was born May 8, 1950 in Decatur, Illinois to the late Aaron and Minnie (Blue) Hodges. He was their sixth child and youngest of three boys.
Freddie was educated through the Decatur Public Schools where he attended Washington Grade School, Johns Hill and Eisenhower High where he excelled in cross country track, track and wrestling. As a young adult he enlisted in the US Airforce and later relocated to Compton, California where the Lord blessed him with two children: LaShonda (Hodges) Salimon of Indianapolis, IN and Freddie Lee Hodges Jr. of St. Louis, Missouri. After returning to Decatur, he worked at Muellers for over 20 years as well as the YMCA.
Freddie was later blessed with sons, Dezani and Leonthis Manns, both of Decatur.
He is survived by his children; one grandson, Freddie Lee Hodges III of Des Moines, IA; special friend of many years, Pamela Rene Manns and her son, Demario Manns; five sisters, Doris Graham, Ollie Slaw, Kathy (Lonnie) Williams and Pamela (Rafael) Graham of Decatur, IL Wilma Hodges of Milwaukee, WI; sister-in-law, Mary Hodges and one brother Alvonzo (Joyce ) Hodges of Decatur, IL as well as many nieces, nephews and friends.
Praise God, Freddie accepted Christ in December 2015 while undergoing testing at Decatur Memorial Hospital. He fought a short and courageous battle with cancer and completed chemotherapy in March 2016. He rejoiced and said “PRAISE the Lord” when told no more chemo. On June 1at 8:30 pm the Lord called him home after suffering a brain aneurysm.
Our beloved brother was preceded in death by his parents; brother Aaron E. Hodges Jr and sister Loretta Hodges.
A special thank you to Dr. Wade, Dr. Tarter and all the nurses for their tender loving care at the Cancer Care Center.
Funeral services to celebrate the life of Freddie Lee Hodges will be 11 a.m. Friday, June 10, 2016, at Moran & Goebel Funeral Home. Visitation will be from 5 p.m. to 7 p.m. Thursday, June 9, 2016 at the funeral home and also from 10 a.m. to 11 a.m. Friday before the services at the funeral home. Burial will be in Camp Butler National Cemetery in Springfield where military rites will be conducted. Memorials may be directed to AMELCA Food Pantry.
The family of Freddie Lee Hodges is being served by Moran & Goebel Funeral Home and Cremation Services, 2801 N. Monroe Street, Decatur, IL. View the online obituary, send condolences, and share memories to the family at www.moranandgoebel.com.
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