John Hodgson

John Henry Hodgson, 90, passed away peacefully on Monday, July 28, 2025, in Abilene, Texas. A time of visitation will be held from 9:00 AM to 10:00 AM on Wednesday, August 6, 2025, at Elmwood Funeral Home, 5750 US-277 South. Funeral services will begin immediately following the visitation at 10:00 AM, with interment to follow at Elmwood Memorial Park.

John was born on August 11, 1934, in Mocksville, North Carolina, to John and Ora Mae Hodgson. John graduated from Mocksville High School in Mocksville, North Carolina, where he was named Most Valuable Player on the school’s six-man football team. While attending high school, he met the love of his life, Nancy. They were married on June 23, 1956, and went on to enjoy 69 years of loving marriage.

While pursuing his college education, John came across an advertisement for the United States Air Force’s aviation cadet program. Inspired to serve his country, he joined and spent the next 20 years as a pilot in the U.S. Air Force, proudly retiring with the rank of Lieutenant Colonel in March of 1974. After completing pilot training, he was stationed at Biggs Air Force Base in El Paso, Texas, where he became one of the first members of the 917th Air Refueling Squadron. When Biggs Air Force Base closed, he was transferred to Dyess Air Force Base in Abilene, Texas. In 1969, he served a one-year tour at Phan Rang Air Force Base in Vietnam, where he flew the AC-119. After returning from Vietnam, he was stationed at Strategic Air Command Headquarters at Offutt Air Force Base in Nebraska before ultimately retiring and returning to Abilene.

After retirement, John and Nancy settled in Abilene, Texas, where he continued to serve—this time through his faith. A devoted member of First Baptist Church for over 50 years, John was instrumental in establishing meaningful ministries including City Lights, Habitat for Humanity, and the Hospitality House for prison ministry. He lived his life with a true servant's heart.

Above all, John was a man deeply committed to his faith and his family. His legacy is one of love, service, and unwavering devotion to God. He will be deeply missed by all who knew him.

He is preceded in death by his parents, his son, David Hodgson; and his sister.

John is survived by his wife, Nancy Hodgson; his grandson, Jordan Hodgson and wife Emily; his great granddaughter, Quinn Hodgson; and several other extended family members.

"Well done, good and faithful servant." – Matthew 25:23