Eugene "Gene” Randolph Hodges, Sr.
(1936-2014)
Former Florida State Representative Eugene “Gene" Randolph Hodges, Sr. (age 77) passed away at his treasured Gulf Hammock hunting camp on Sunday, July 6th, 2014.
A 1954 graduate of Cedar Key High School, Gene served four years in the United States Air Force. After his military service, he returned to Cedar Key, worked as a commercial fisherman, ran the local hardware store, and was a food inspector for the Department of Agriculture. He held many positions in the Florida Government from 1972 to 1988, including being a member of the Florida State House Representatives, a Legislative Representative, and a member of the Florida Parole Commission. He also served his town of Cedar Key as Fireman, City Judge, and Police Chief. During his term in the Florida House of Representatives, Gene played an integral part in creating a bill which provided funding for rural schools, allowing Cedar Key School to reopen its doors and to remain open.
After his retirement in 1996, he continued to serve in local politics as mayor and city council member of his hometown. As a fourth generation Floridian, Gene was passionate about his beloved family hunting camp in the Gulf Hammock woods, where he spent much of his time ensuring that it remained an enjoyable gathering place for family and friends. He also loved the water and all it had to offer, including fishing and lobster diving. He preferred all of these activities surrounded by his family, who were his true passion.
He is survived by his wife, Annette Jones Hodges of Cedar Key, Florida, his three children, Randy Hodges and wife Debbie, Michael Hodges and wife Anna, Gina Tovine and husband Bill, step-daughter Jamie Naff, an adopted son and grandson Bobby Trammell, his sister Nancy Duden and husband Don, and his brother Hal Hodges and wife Karen. He is also survived by his former wife and mother of their children, Frances Knight Hodges. Gene has seven grandchildren and three great-grandchildren.
Visitation will be at the Knauff Funeral Home in Chiefland on Thursday, July 10, from 6-8 pm. The funeral service will be held at the United Methodist Church of Cedar Key on Friday, July 11, at 10 am, followed by a graveside service at the Cedar Key Cemetery. A reception at the Cedar Key Community Center will follow the services.
In lieu of flowers the family request donations be made in Gene’s memory to the United Methodist Church of Cedar Key Building Fund, P.O. Box 338 Cedar Key, Florida 32625.