SERVICES FOR
EUGENE RANDOLPH HODGES, SR.
July 12, 2014
Hundreds of family, friends, and colleagues attended the services held for Gene Hodges at the United Methodist Church of Cedar Key yesterday, July 11, 2014, at 10am with Pastors Savai Maiselle and Todd Pope orchestrating the gathering. Visitors filled the church and the adjacent hall, many arriving early to be assured of a seat. The funeral entourage comprised some thirty cars full of family and led by Police Chief Virgil Sandlin.
Pastor Maiselle warned all who gathered that the “singing Methodists” were going to do just that at this service and, indeed, they did. “In the Garden,” “How Great Thou Art,” the Twenty-third Psalm, and readings from the New Testament preceded the sharing of remembrances from the audience.
Gene’s granddaughter’s contribution included her reading of the poem, “His Journey’s Just Begun” by Ellen Brenneman; she then thanked all who attended the service. Earlier Tallahassee colleagues, and a roommate, told stories about Gene that caused everyone listening to nod their heads and smile, reminding all that Gene remained the same man with the same values throughout his life. Speakers affirmed that Gene was a man who “loved Cedar Key,” “whose word was good,” who was referred to as the ‘head redneck’” by his Tallahassee staffers, who always smiled, who was strong in his beliefs, and who “created the biggest wake” in Tallahassee, meaning that he got things done, and “was the guy to follow.”
The pastor read Governor Rick Scott’s edict to fly flags at half-staff in Tallahassee, Bronson, and Cedar Key from sunrise to sunset. The Lord’s Prayer was said, and the group sang “When We All Get to Heaven,” Cedar Key style, loudly.
Though the thunder was rumbling and the skies were gray, most participants followed the funeral coach to the Cedar Key Cemetery. The cemetery service was held on a site surrounded on three sides by water and performed under old live oak trees draped with moss and resurrection fern. The pastor competed with birds singing so loudly from the trees that he commented upon their song. Although it had rained every morning during the week, this day’s rain held off until the service ended. Fire Chief Robert Robinson flew the American flag a half-staff from the fire truck at the cemetery entrance. In Cedar Key style, and surely much to liking of Gene, the eight pall bearers wore blue jeans and white dress shirts.
Following the cemetery gathering, everyone was invited to meet at the Community Center for a Cedar Key style reception to honor and remember Gene. As they do in Cedar Key, everyone brought something; fish, shrimp, chicken, and every kind of dessert was offered. The room was full; people were comfortable; conversation was informal. Even with the sadness of the occasion, many smiles and laughs, along with tears, filled the room remembering Gene Hodges.
Photo by Allan Pither
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