Robert "Bobby" Jerome Hodges Sr.

Robert Jerome Hodges Sr., “Bobby,” was born on August 19, 1959, in Bradenton, Florida, to the late Willie Mae Hodges and Clifford Bacon. He was affectionately known as “Bob.” During his early years, he was an active member of St. Mary’s Missionary Baptist Church, where his namesake was one of the founding deacons, Robert Royal. Due to the school district rezoning of the Roger’s Garden Projects, Bobby had the opportunity to attend Manatee, Bayshore, and Southeast high schools. This gave him the opportunity to create lifelong relationships, including three of his best friends, Harold Byrd Jr., Reginald Goff Sr., and Louis King. During this time, he also received the nickname “Funky Worm,” which later shortened to “Worm.” He was known for his fast feet, as he ran what is now known as the 200-meter dash. In 1977, he graduated from Jacob’s Creek Job Corps in Bristol, Tennessee, with a specialization in heavy machinery. That led to him earning the top commercial vehicle operating license as well as certification for warehouse machinery. Bobby had a fulfilling career as a commercial truck driver. Additionally, he was a shining star employee at Pepsi Co, Sysco, and the US Postal Service for over 15 years. He was known for being a dedicated hard worker who would go above and beyond the call of duty. Bobby was a lifelong learner who enjoyed reading anything and everything, including the encyclopedia. Bobby enjoyed talking about sports highlights with his son, Robert II, therapeutic talks with his daughter, Ashley, and having lunch dates with his sister Angela (Joann). But most of all, he enjoyed spending time with his grandchildren. Robert Hodges Sr. is preceded in death by his mother, Willie Mae Hodges, and father, Clifford Bacon. Bobby is survived by a large loving family. He leaves to cherish his memories; his loving daughter Ashley Hodges, his devoted son Robert J. Hodges II (Channing), his loyal sister Angela JoAnn Hodges Lindsey (Reginald), and other caring siblings: Joan Givens, Beryl Bacon, Derrick Evans, Desia Bacon Shelby (Derrick), and Carisma Bacon Harper (Donald); grandchildren: Terry, Teriana, and Terriney Eady, Jamarious Harrell, Robert J. Hodges III, Jasani, and Jariah Cummings; niece and nephew: Breanna Scott (Ray) and Reginald James Lindsey; great nieces: Elena Neal, Ryan, and Remi Scott; special children: Cedanio Bacon (Susan), Brent Bacon (Lenay), Jessica Cummings (Joseph); longtime friends: Phyllis Welcome, Deborah Minor, and Robert Clayton. In addition, Bobby leaves many other sorrowful relatives and friends.

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