Howard David Hodges, 20 a native of Beaufort County was killed in action December 7, 1941 in the attack on Pearl Harbor as he was stationed aboard the USS West Virginia BB48 as a F1C. Howard was positively identified by DNA evidence on October 15, 2020 returning home to be buried with his parents.

Howard was born July 14, 1921 in Beaufort County to Phate E. Hodges and Annie Elizabeth McLawhorn Hodges the 6th child of 15 children. Howard grew up in the fellowship and was a member of First Baptist Church Washington.

He was preceded in death by two sisters Enes Maybell Hodges and Josephine Hodges and grandparents James Hodges and Mary Corbitt Hodges and William Burton McLawhorn and Enes Fornes McLawhorn.

Since Howard’s passing his parents Phate and Annie Hodges, 8 siblings: J. William Hodges, Novella Hodges Barnes, Johnnie L. Hodges, Annie Ree Hodges McCoy, Albert C. Hodges, J. Clifton Hodges, Bonny Garland (Stephen) Hodges and Robert “R. V.” Hodges have joined him in heaven.

Left to cherish his memory and sacrifice are two sisters, Viola Hodges Pierce of Ahoskie, NC: Helen Hodges Martikke and husband Walter “Marty” of Chocowinity, NC, two brothers, Randy Gene Hodges of Mt. Gilead, NC and Lindberg “Lindy” Hodges and wife Mrytle G. of Chesapeake, VA. Along with many nieces and nephews.

A celebration of his life will be conducted by Pastor Tracy Gregory, Saturday, April 17, 2021 at 11:00 am in the Chapel of Joseph B. Paul, Jr. Funeral Service. Interment will follow in the family plot at Oakdale Cemetery. In lieu of flowers memorial donations may be directed to the Patriot Guard Riders, NCPG 8, Lakewood Court, Whispering Pines, NC 28327.