Major Gary W. Hodges,Usaf,Retired

Major Gary W. Hodges, U.S. Air Force, Retired Former Mayor of Ridgeland Gary W. Hodges, age 63, died Saturday, June 27, 2015 at Candler Hospital, Savannah, GA. He was born at Barksdale AFB, Louisiana on May 17, 1952, son of the late TSgt Robert F. Hodges Jr. from Tillman and Miriam Tant Hodges from Ridgeland. Major Hodges graduated from Ridgeland High School in 1970. He enlisted in the Air Force in 1971 and rose to the rank of Technical Sergeant before receiving his commission as a Second Lieutenant in 1979. His entire career was devoted to the law enforcement and security fields where he started as a basic security guard. He subsequently worked his way up the ranks and this culminated with his final assignment as Chief of Security Police, Air Force Pacific Communications Division. He retired at age 38 in 1991. During his career, Major Hodges served in Arizona, Florida, Hawaii, North Dakota, Texas, Korea and the Philippines. He also served temporary duty in many other states and countries including Guam, Japan, Okinawa and Vietnam. He earned an AA Degree in Administration of Justice, a BA Degree in Criminology and a MS Degree in Counseling; all with Honors. During his career, Major Hodges received over 35 medals and awards for his accomplishments including four meritorious service medals. He was a distinguished graduate of the Air Force Officer Training School and an honor graduate of the Air Force Security Police Academy. Major Hodges returned to Ridgeland after his military career and worked in the business community. He spent a number of years in the automobile and housing businesses until retiring in 2008. He was also very active in local politics and served one term on the Ridgeland Town Council and later served one term as Mayor of Ridgeland. Survivors include his daughter and son in law, Stephanie and Chris Holmes and two grandchildren, Christopher Holmes Jr. and Eowyn Holmes all of Colorado Springs, CO. He is also survived by his mother, Miriam Hodges of Ridgeland and his sister, Beverly Hodges Cleland (Jessie Lee) of Gillisonville; as well as many nieces and nephews. He was predeceased by his father and his brother, Charles Hodges. A memorial service with military honors will be held at the Ridgeland Veterans Memorial Park on Sunday,July 5, 2015 at 2:00 pm. In lieu of flowers, please make contributions to the Wounded Warrior Project via their official website at www.woundedwarriorproject.org. A memorial service with military honors will be held at the Ridgeland Veterans Memorial Park on Sunday,July 5, 2015 at 2:00 pm. In lieu of flowers, please make contributions to the Wounded Warrior Project via their official website at www.woundedwarriorproject.org.