Obituary of Clifford P. Hodge, Sr.

Clifford Padgett “Buddy” Hodge, Sr., 91, passed away Friday, December 16, 2016 at his residence surrounded by family and friends. Buddy was born in Sumter, to the late John T. and Eva Flake Hodge. He graduated from Edmunds High School and continued his education at Newberry College where he was a four-letter athlete (football, basketball, tennis, and golf). He went on to start his coaching career in Columbia. He was on the short list of State approved referees and even refereed for the Harlem Globe Trotters. Buddy eventually partnered with his brother Bill Hodge in developing Hodge Real Estate and Insurance Company, Inc. He was a past President of the Sumter Board of Realtors, a member of the Sumter Development Board, several civic organizations. He was a Traveling Manager for the P-15’s, a lifelong member of Grace Baptist Church and a veteran of the U.S. Navy which he served in during W.W.II. An avid Gamecock fan and golfer, he will best be remembered by friends, family, buddies from Sunset Country Club, Purdy Street Boys, and Eau Claire Football Players for his great sense of humor and spontaneous singing. He is survived by his children, C.P. Hodge, Jr. (Priscilla), Jeanne Hodge Griffith, JoNelle Hodge Gardner, John Daniel Hodge (Suzanne), and Virginia Duncan Hodge; mother of the children, Glenn A. Hodge; GrandBuddy’s five grandchildren, Cliff Hodge, Seth Hodge, Rachel Gardner, Drew Gardner, and Diana Hodge; one great-grandchild, Finn; and numerous nieces and nephews. In addition to his parents, he was predeceased by two brothers, Thomas Hodge, and Bill Hodge; and two sisters, Leila Hodge Lucas, and Amelia Hodge Teal. A graveside service will be 3:00 P.M. Wednesday, December 21 in Evergreen Memorial Park Cemetery with the Reverend Dr. Steve Williams officiating. Visitation will be from 1:30 until 2:45 P.M. Wednesday at Elmore Hill McCreight Funeral Home. Honorary pallbearers are the former players of Coach Hodge from the Eau Claire Shamrocks, Buddy Sharpe, Ted Fetner, Levy Longno, Roy Neville, Danny Varn, and Gene Powell. The family would like to thank Hospice Care of S.C., his faithful friends: Janie, Charlie (CIC) Mac, Pamalam, and all of the neighbors at Twin Magnolia for all of the love and care they showed Mr. Hodge over the years. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to the charity of one’s choice. On-line condolences may be sent to www.sumterfunerals.com Elmore Hill McCreight Funeral Home & Crematory, 221 Broad Street, Sumter, is in charge of the arrangements (803) 775-9386.