Theodore Robinson Hodges, III, 75 of Pinehurst, passed away on June 4, 2024 at FirstHealth Hospice House in Pinehurst.
Born on January 4, 1949 in Detroit, Michigan to the late Theodore R. Hodges, Jr. and Jean Downer Hodges.
He is survived by his loving wife of 43 years, Kathy Hodges; two children, Andrew Hodges and Alison Hodges (Mark Ragoonanan); three siblings, George Hodges (Diane Hodges), Betsy Hodges (John Nye) and Judy Hodges (Peter Norton); two granddaughters, Avery Steverson and Teddy Steverson; also survived by six nieces and nephews, and several close cousins.
Ted grew up in Grosse Pointe, Michigan, but most of his treasured childhood memories stemmed from his summers spent on the banks of Lake Erie at the family cottage compound in Canada. Later in life he would return there every summer for the family vacation. It was in Canada where Ted and his family formed close bonds with his siblings and his cousins.
Ted attended University of Liggett School and graduated from Grosse Point South High School. He went on to obtain his mechanical engineering degree from Michigan State University. He later became a licensed professional engineer in several states. His career began at Michigan Consolidated Gas Co. in Detroit. In 1983, his career took his family to Dover, Delaware where he was Chief Engineer with Chesapeake Utilities. He then accepted a position as Director of Engineering for NCNG-North Carolina Natural Gas in Fayetteville, NC. He would stay with his company until his retirement even though NCNG merged with various companies. These mergers allowed Ted and his family to live in Cary, NC and Charlotte, NC. Ted was a consummate professional and was well known and highly regarded in the natural gas industry with a reputation for developing common-sense solutions to complex engineering problems and also for developing employees. Many a successful natural gas professionals can point to Ted’s mentoring as a factor for their success.
Ted had many hobbies such as doing crossword puzzles, reading and until a few years ago he was an avid tennis player.
In the past 10 years, Ted took his engineering mind and skills to “new heights” as an active member in the Seven Lakes Aeromodelers Club in West End, NC. He could be found on any given Wednesday or Friday morning flying his remote control airplanes with a great group of guys with whom Ted would form strong bonds of friendship.
Ted was a quiet, unassuming, even-tempered guy. He valued honesty above all other traits, a virtue his father taught him.
He was a faithful and active member of Community Presbyterian Church, a church that helped Ted grow his faith and where he formed many deep friendships.
He was a happy bachelor when he met his future wife, Kathy. After some convincing, Ted and Kathy were married June 28, 1980. From that day forward, Ted was the most loving, caring husband. Because of his good nature, Ted made marriage easy which in turn made for a very happy family life.
Ted was not a diaper changing dad, but once his kids took off, he took off right behind them. Ted was always very proud of Andrew and Alison in school and later in their chosen professions. He was most proud of their high values and character. Both of his children will carry his legacy of integrity into the future.
Turns out Ted was not much of a diaper changing grandfather either. But he sure took great delight and joy in the antics of his two beloved granddaughters, Avery and Teddy.
Ted’s family would like to extend their thanks to the family members, friends, church members and neighbors who were so supportive during a very difficult time
Our deepest gratitude is extended to the angels who are disguised as First Health Hospice workers. They shared their faith, love and support to Ted and his family in ways only angels can do.
A memorial service will be held on Saturday, June 22, 2024 at 3:00PM at Community Presbyterian Church in Pinehurst.
In lieu of flowers, memorial donations in Theodore’s name may be made to Community Presbyterian Church- 125 Everette Road Pinehurst, NC 28374 or FirstHealth Hospice Foundation- 150 Applecross Road Pinehurst, NC 28374.
Services are entrusted to Boles Funeral Home of Southern Pines.
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