Donald Leroy Hodge Sr.

Staff Sgt. Donald Leroy Hodge, Sr. 70, Johnson City, passed away Tuesday, April 23, 2019 at Mountain Home VA Hospital.Donald was a lifelong Johnson City native and the son of the late Archie L. and Marjory Scott Hodge.Donald was an Army Veteran serving in Vietnam earning the Purple Heart, Bronze Star and Air Medal.  He also did 2 tours in Iraq including Operation Iraqi Freedom and Operation Enduring Freedom. He loved God , his family and country. He proudly served his country for 23 years. In addition to his parents he is preceded in death by a brother, Archie “Jimmy” Hodge, Jr.Those left to cherish his memory is his wife and childhood sweet heart, Judy Napier Hodge, who he frequently referred to as “Angel.”  He was looking forward to the renewing of their vows for their 50th wedding anniversary, on August 7, 2019; He was most proud of his four children. Each one of the girls would frequently tease and tell him that they were his favorite. He would quickly reply, “I don’t have any favorites, I love you all the same”,  Lisa Ann Simerly & husband Tyrone  “Scott” of Johnson City, Sharon Leigh Miller & husband Thomas of Raleigh, NC, Sheri Holsclaw & husband John Jr. of Johnson City, Donald Leroy Hodge Jr. & wife Susan of Johnson City; 3 sisters Judy Pearce, Janice Sellars & boyfriend David Stinett, Kathy Olinger & husband Gary; a brother James “Buster” Hodge & wife Karen; sister-in-laws Karen Curtis & Sandra “Kay” Napier”; grandchildren Darion, Jordan, Lacey & Lindy Simerly, Emily & Nathan Miller, Kaeli Sams, Taylor, Dana, Hannah and Holly Holsclaw, Eliza Puckett, Adrianna & Neyland Hodge; several nieces & nephews.Special thanks to Jason Guire for extra help with the farm work when Donald became ill and unable to do the work himself and for driving him to field trials when he competed in “Shoot to Retrieve,” his favorite sporting/hunting events. Also a special thank you to Robbie McGuire for making himself available when needed. The family also wishes to thank Dr. Paul Provance (PCP), nurses and staff at the VA for the excellent care thorough out the years, especially most recently all the doctors, nurses and staff at the CLC Hospice Unit for their excellent care, compassion and support.The funeral service for Donald will be conducted at 4:00 P.M. Sunday April 28, 2019, in the East Chapel of Appalachian Funeral Home with Eddy Craft, Minister officiating.The family will receive friends Sunday prior to the service from 2:00-4:00 P.M. at the funeral home.The graveside committal service will be held at 10:00 A.M.  Monday, April 29, 2019 in Mountain Home National Cemetery. Active Pallbearers will be chosen from friends and family.Those who prefer to make memorial donations may do so in Donald’s name to CLC Hospice Unit 1 or 2 at Mountain P.O. Box 4000 Mountain Home, TN 37684. Attn: Mary Barnett  Please click here to view the video tributeRead Obituary