George Hodge

"Well done, good and faithful servant." Matthew 25:21

A life well-lived. A faith well-kept. A rest well-earned.

George Hodge, born in Indianapolis, Indiana in November 1933, passed away peacefully on July 29th, 2026 in Concord, South Carolina. He was proceeded in death by his parents, Charles & Estella Hodge and siblings, Joe, Donny, Mary (Nevels) & Charlie Hodge. Survived by his beloved partner, Nancy Smith, his sister, Adele (Weaver), children Gary (Ronda) and Mike (Theresa) Hodge, grandchildren, Kristen, Jenny, Trent, Courtney, and Aaron, great grandchildren, Jackson, Tristen, Tenley, and Mary Jo, and his close extended family, the Carter, Mickler, Weaver, and Nevels families.

George grew up in the Martindale area of Indianapolis. He attended St. Francis DeSales Catholic elementary school and Arsenal Technical High School. After school he and his siblings helped their parents at their neighborhood grocery store. As a young man, he served in the US Armed Services. Over the years, George embraced a variety of roles, from working as a butcher, to running a printing company, to owning a night club. Later in retirement he worked as a custodian at Hinkle Creek Elementary school, Noblesville, where he enjoyed the low stress and working with staff and students.

If I had to sum up my dad in just a few words, I’d say he was a man’s man — strong, capable, and steady. But that wouldn’t tell the whole story. Because behind that rugged exterior was a man with a deep sense of responsibility, a generous heart, and a quiet but powerful way of teaching life’s most important lessons. He never shied away from saying that he loved you and I was told that he gave the best hugs.

Some of my earliest memories of Dad are on the water. He taught us to water ski, how to drive a boat, back up a trailer and ensured we knew the rules and laws of boating. On the holidays we looked forward to hunting with our extended family. He taught us how to fish and how to drive a car. Our lessons weren’t just about patience and skill, but about respect; respect for nature, for rules, and each other.

Sports were another way Dad connected with us. He didn’t just watch from the sidelines, he coached. He taught us how to win with humility, accept and learn from a loss, and always give our best.

Dad could fix just about anything around the house, in the garage, or with vehicles. Under the hood of a car, he was in his element. We spent countless hours together working on vehicles, hands greasy, busted knuckles and quite a few well-phrased expletives. One of the first memories of working on a car with my dad was him asking me to reach down and grab a spark plug wire while the car was running. First lesson of what not to do. Those weren’t just mechanical lessons; they were life lessons. He showed us that problems are meant to be solved, that hard work is its own reward, and that taking care of what you have is a sign of respect.

Dad taught us morals and values. He believed in honesty, in keeping your word, and in treating people right. With two sons, he had his hands full. He raised us with strict discipline but only in tone. He was a provider and always there for his family and his friends.

George was a skilled and graceful dancer. He joined several dance clubs and would show off his talent at any opportunity. He met and wooed his life partner, Nancy, at one of these gatherings. He enjoyed golfing and would hit the course every opportunity. He was an excellent bowler; this was a lifelong passion.

Dad’s legacy isn’t just in the skills he passed down or the memories we made. It’s in the way we carry ourselves, the way we treat others, and the way we face challenges. He built us into the men we are today, and for that, we will always be grateful.

So today, as we say goodbye, I don’t just mourn the loss of my father, I celebrate the life of a man who lived with purpose, who loved deeply, and who left the world better than he found it.

Dad, thank you for the lessons, the laughter, and the love. We’ll carry them, and you, with us always.

A family service will be held at 8:30 am on Friday September 4, 2026 at Holy Spirit of Geist Catholic Church.