John Newman Hodge, age 63, Russellville, passed away March 22 due to injuries sustained in an automobile accident.

John was a graduate of Russellville High School, very active in school sports, and he lettered in track, basketball and football. John was a good man who loved his wife, his kids, family and friends very much. He was a cherished member of Barton First Baptist Church. He loved to sing “Victory in Jesus” whenever he had a chance to lead the singing.

John was a retired Walmart truck driver; however, his passion was running bulldozers.  John was a dedicated Christian and fulfilled his calling to the Lord by witnessing and serving on the mission field in Guatemala and Honduras; his greatest desire was to see souls saved.

The visitation was 6-8 p.m. March 24 at Spry Memorial Chapel in Russellville. His funeral was at 2 p.m. March 25 at Barton First Baptist Church in Barton, with his body lying in state for one prior to the service. Officiating at the service was Bro. Micah Booth and Bro. Tommy West. He was buried at Jonesboro Cemetery, Russellville, with Bro. Frank Whitaker speaking at the graveside.

John leaves to cherish his memory his wife of 40 years, Sandra Hodge; son, Chris Hodge and wife LaShawn; daughter, Hollie Rea and husband Lymann; grandchildren, Tyler Hodge and wife Whitney, Tori Hodge, Alex Prince, Shaynna Hodge, Caleb Rea, Tosha Swearingen and husband Cyrus, Tiffany Prince and Ashley Prince; god-grandchild, Ian D’Ambrosio; great-grandchild soon-to-arrive, Reid Michael Hodge; mother-in-law, Marie “Rea Rea” Matthews; brother, J.W. Hodge and wife Cyndi; sister, Jane Denton and husband Cecil; and a host of nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by his father, Freddie Vincent Hodge; mother, Nora Edna Hovater Hodge; brother, Neil Hodge; and his grandparents.

The pallbearers were Tyler Hodge, Alex Prince, Jimmy Choat, Trey Alexander, Leland Timmons, Eric Weaver, Mark Sellers, Bill Alexander, Dan Thorn and Neil Taylor. The honorary pallbearers were close friends and church brothers.

In lieu of flowers, please consider making a memorial to Mission Fund, c/o Barton First Baptist Church, 12925 Hwy 72, Cherokee, AL 35616.