BENJAMIN R. HODGE JR.

Benjamin "Benny" R. Hodge Jr. was born on Oct. 25, 1936, in Alcolu, the first child of Benny R. Hodge Sr. and Rachel Wiggins Hodge. He died on Saturday, Sept. 3, 2022.

He attended school in the Clarendon County schools, graduating from Manning High School in 1955. Benny married Jean DuBose from Alcolu in 1956 and they lived their married lives in Sumter.

He was predeceased by his only child, Cindy Jean Hodge Timmons.

Survivors include his wife of 66 years; grandsons, Rich Timmons (Heather) of Lexington and Will Timmons (Margaret) of Alexandria, Virginia; and one great-grandson, Auggie Timmons. He is also survived by two sisters, Dean Morgan of Lexington and Rita Weaner (Lowell) of Lake Keowee.

The family gives special thanks to Randy and Debbie Cribb, who Benny and Jean met in their earlier days and with whom they remained best friends, along with their daughter, Ashley.

He was born and raised in Alcolu and was a member of Clarendon Baptist Church until 1961. After his marriage, he and Jean became charter members of Crosswell Baptist Church, where he served in many capacities, including deacon, and remained a faithful and active member, until his death.

Benny retired after working many years as transportation manager at Glasscock Trucking Co. In his later years, he and Jean enjoyed traveling with Christian Tours, and he also enjoyed playing golf with a group of friends at Crystal Lakes.

Services will be held at 3 p.m. today at Crosswell Baptist Church, officiated by the Rev. Charles Owens, followed by a graveside service at Evergreen Memorial Park cemetery.

Elmore-Cannon-Stephens Funeral Home and Crematorium of Sumter is in charge of the arrangements.