Ronald "Ron" Wray Hodges

Ronald Wray "Ron" Hodges, age 74 of Rocky Mount passed after a short illness Thursday, November 24, 2023 at Carilion Roanoke Memorial Hospital. He was born June 22, 1949 in Rocky Mount, VA, the son of Tony and Daisy (Wray) Hodges. He was also preceded in death by his sisters, Peggy Morris, Judy Bussey and Mary Tuttle.

Ron graduated from Franklin County High School, class of 1968. Following graduation, he attended Appalachian State University. He was drafted by the New York Mets in 1971 and called up to the Major Leagues in 1973 where he played until retirement in 1984. He returned home to Rocky Mount, VA to work as a realtor for Meadow Spring Land and Realty (now Mountain to Lake Realty) until retirement. Ron was inducted into the Appalachian State University Hall of Fame in 1982, the Roanoke Salem Baseball Hall of Fame in 1993, and Hall of Fame for Franklin County High School in 2018.

Ron was affectionately known as “Hajo” or “Pop” by his friends and family. He is survived by his beloved wife of nearly 50 years, Peggy Jarrett Hodges; his sons, Riley, Gray, Nat, and Casey; two grandchildren, Kemper and Kaden; his sisters, Audrey Reece, Carmen Patrick, Pat Martin and her husband Dave, Donna Mitchell; his brother, Tony “Buzzy” Hodges; many nieces and nephews.

He coached sports for many years in Franklin County serving as a coach for many recreation league teams and for the American Legion baseball club. He enjoyed spending time watching sporting events, hunting, fishing, back porch rocking chairs, and dancing. Ron was a member of Willow Creek Country Club where he enjoyed many “birdie dances”. He was also a member of Rocky Mount United Methodist Church. His most favorite pastime was spending time with his family, especially his grandsons, Kemper and Kaden.

Memorial services will be conducted from Franklin Heights Church 11:00 a.m. Monday, November 27, 2023 with Dr. Stan Parris and Rev. Will Waller officiating. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations can be made to Rocky Mount United Methodist Church, 35 North Main Street, Rocky Mount, Va. 24151, Franklin Heights Church, 110 Hilltop Drive, Rocky Mount, Va. 24151 or the charity of your choice. His family will receive friends 4-7 p.m. Sunday at Flora Funeral Service and Cremation Center, Rocky Mount. Condolences may be expressed at www.florafuneralservice.com