Hodges Lionel Stone

"Auf wiedersehen," my beloved.  You know that we will see each other again because that's what "Auf Wiedersehen " means, even if you started this next journey sooner than anticipated. Hodges was born on October 12,1935 to his parents Hodges M. and Rose Caroline Stone who both preceded him in death, as well as his older sisters, Marian and Christi.  Hodges and I met late in life in 2001, and we started to travel to every national park in America and Canada. He used to say, "Time is on our side," but I hate to disagree with him on this one. Time has gone by too fast these last 24 years. It seems like yesterday but what a wonderful, glorious day it has been, packed full of love, adventures, and more adventures! From 2007 to 2022, we sailed the oceans blue to faraway places with strange sounding names. We always took the long way, never got lost, and we would find a new road to travel on. If we couldn't speak the language in the countries we visited, we learned that a smile would go a long way and open many doors. The world became our playground. Hodges had a meaningful career at Cumming’s Engine Co. with his mentor Mr. Don Hazelwood who saw such great potential in him. His unwavering work ethic led to a partnership with Pres. Darryl W. Harman of Richmond Electric Supply CO, RESCO. The two remained best friends even after Hodges retirement in 2001.  Hodges, you were always too modest to talk about your accolades, but your giving nature to friends in need and to defenseless animals was exemplary.  You only saw the good in people and were seldom disappointed in mankind. Hodges leaves behind his beloved, Rene (Renate, also known as Pussicat), who showed him what life has to offer if you just open your eyes and look around. Hodges also leaves behind his favorite niece, Lisa Whatley (Charles) and their children, Charles, Corrine, and Mason of Augusta, GA; his nephew, Dana Lunquist (Nancy) and their children, Bretta and Jackson of Shelby, NC. I would like to thank Dr. Elke Friedman (oncologist) and her team at VCI; Dr. Robert Levitt (cardiologist) who mended Hodges’ generous heart; Dr. Raymond Morgan, his GP for many years; Companion Extraordinaire, Julia; Micky Poage in Vail, Colorado who played all of Hodges favorite Lloyd Weber tunes and introduced him to a martini called Blue Eyes. Special Thanks to "AGAPE CARE GROUP;” his Hospice team, Deja and Jaritza, who cared for him so lovingly in his final days; and to so many wonderful people that entered his life, whom he called friends, (you know who you are). According to his wishes he wanted to leave life quietly the same way he entered it. There will be no fanfare. A private Celebration of Life will be held at a later date. Hodges, you were a Prince among men. Love forever, Rene ‘Pussicat’.