Alvis Lee "Al" Hodgin

 Alvis Lee “Al” Hodgin, 94, of Graham, died Saturday, December 15, 2018 at the Hospice Home in Burlington.

A native of Rockingham County, Mr. Hodgin was the husband of 63 years to the late Hilda Quakenbush Hodgin. He was the son of George Rufus Hodgin and Loda Johnson Hodgin, both deceased. His family moved to Saxapahaw when he was a young boy.

Mr. Hodgin was a proud World War II Veteran, having served in the United States Navy in WWII in the Pacific theater. He served from 1944 – 1946 as an Electrician’s Mate 2nd Class on Landing Ship Medium 481. Upon his return from the service, he married “the girl next door” Hilda Quakenbush on April 3rd, 1951. They were the chosen couple in a local competition to wed at the State Theatre in Burlington. Their wedding was paid for and provided by local downtown Burlington merchants and the State Theatre. It was put on as publicity for the movie “Royal Wedding”, starring Fred Astaire and Jane Powell, which had just been released in theatres a week before, on March 31st, 1951.

Alvis and Hilda moved to Graham and began their married life. Together they raised 6 girls. Alvis had a plaque above his desk that read “There’s a Special Place in Heaven for the Father of Six Girls”. We believe this to be true, although he was very well cared for and spoiled his entire life!

Alvis worked at Western Electric in Burlington, until it was bought out by AT&T and eventually his job moved from Burlington, to the Guilford Center offices. He retired from AT&T in the mid 80’s. That job paid the bills, but his true calling was his job as a softball coach, and umpire. He coached several of his daughters in softball over the years, and in the process of coaching, became a father figure and mentor to many of his players. Some of his former players came to see him in the last few weeks, just to tell him how much he meant to them.

Alvis also worked part time as a Pinkerton Security guard. It was in this position that he developed his undying love for all things Carolina Tarheels Basketball. He guarded the locker room for the Carolina team when the games were played in Carmichael Auditorium. The Tarheel Basketball team considered him their “Good luck charm”. He was a good sport as they always rubbed his bald head when they ran out of the locker room. He was proud to have had his bald head rubbed by the likes of Michael Jordan. As his daughters grew up in his household, they never knew that there was ever any other option than to be a Tarheel fan (or to date or marry anyone other than a Tarheel fan). He was truly a “Tarheel Born and a Tarheel Bred”, and a loyal fan to the end.

Alvis was also an avid fan of the Atlanta Braves. He had a special notebook that he diligently kept names, batting positions, batting averages, and other miscellaneous statistics in. One of the highlights he enjoyed was the gift of being able to attend a Braves game in person in Atlanta.

Alvis was a lifetime member of Moore’s Chapel Baptist Church. Until he was no longer able, he faithfully attended Fellowship Baptist Church in Burlington where he enjoyed being part of the Senior Adult Men’s Sunday School class.

He is survived by five daughters, Melinda Gartrell (Rob), of Venice, FL, Amy Hodgin of Graham, Tammy Kernodle (Darrell), of Graham, Angelia London (Clay), of Burlington, Tina Patterson (Glenn) of Graham, and Son-In-Law Chuck Roberts (Linda). He is also survived by 8 Grandchildren:  Nile Roberts (Cassie), Chad Roberts (Angela), Nikki Roberts Jacobs, Andy Murphy (Kelly), Kyle Murphy, Amber Kernodle Strunk (Kyle), Clint Kernodle (Michelle), and Erin Melton (Tripp), who amongst them have given him 12 Great-grandchildren. He is also survived by several nieces and nephews.

Along with his parents and wife, he was preceded in death by a daughter, Cynthia Ellen Hodgin Roberts, a grandchild, Kelly Victoria Hunter, and his brother Bernard Hodgin. 

The Hodgin family would like to say a very heartfelt and special thanks to the caregivers who helped us keep Dad here and at home. Special thanks to Naketia, Jennifer, Kathy and Stephanie of Homecare Providers. Sharlene of Home Indeed, Michael and Christen of Lillies of Hope, and Teressa, Vicki, and Holly our Hospice home team.

Because of the timing of the Christmas season, and the need for relatives to travel, the Hodgin family will be delaying any services until January 5th, 2019. Our request is that you honor our father Alvis by spending quality time with your loved ones, and that you celebrate with your families the real Reason for the Season. We are rejoicing that our Daddy is celebrating this year with Jesus in Heaven. The daughters and their families will be at their respective homes.

The family will receive friends Saturday, January 5, 2019 at Rich and Thompson Funeral Home and Crematory in Graham, from 9:30 until 10:45 am. A Celebration of Life service will follow at 11:00 am in the Rich and Thompson Chapel. Officiating will be Elder Rick Purcell.  Interment of both Alvis and Hilda’s ashes will follow at Alamance Memorial Park. In lieu of flowers the family requests donations to Hospice of Alamance County, or to a charity of your choice.

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