Julian Van Hodges, III, age 82, affectionately known as “Van,” passed away on Monday, November 14, 2022, at his home in Spotsylvania, Va.

Van was born on July 18, 1940, in Atlanta, Georgia.  Due to his father’s job with the U.S. Government, Van’s childhood was mostly spent in Hawaii from ages 5 to 14.  When they returned to Georgia, Van attended and graduated high school in Rome, Georgia.  After high school, he enlisted in the United States Army and served his country for 3 1/2 years.  While in the Army, he trained in electronics and upon discharge, he came to D.C. with his parents.  After his tour of duty, he attended the University of Maryland for 2 years and was employed by National Aeronautics and Space Administration in electronics.

In 1969, Van moved to Caroline County, Va.  After settling there, he met and married his wife of 51 years, Florence “Frog” Clarke Hodges.  They built a home and raised their four children there. Van obtained his license in Master Electrician and Master Plumbing and began his own business, Van’s Home Improvements. He operated his business for over 20 years before retirement. While living in Caroline County, he and his family enjoyed the country life by raising a garden, pigs and chickens; while teaching his children how to live off the land. Some of his favorite things to do were fishing with Frog’s uncles for herring to put up for the winter, and he also enjoyed sitting around a bonfire with his children and grandchildren during their visits. In later years, he took up golfing and it became a passion.  Van was very involved with his church and its school and volunteered for several years as the Maintenance Man.  He was known as a hard worker in his community and surrounding counties, remodeling and building new projects/additions.  He served in past years on the Building Maintenance Committee at Summer Lake where he and Florence resided since 2005, providing guidance on facilities maintenance.  Van was a friend of Bill W. for over 40 years. In 2015, Van began to struggle with several illnesses; however, his faith and trust in God gave him the strength and courage he needed to keep going.

Van is survived by his wife, Florence “Frog” Hodges; three children, Van Hodges, IV of Newport News, Va.; David O. Hodges (Kim) of Quinton, Va.; and T. Jill Hodges, of Alexandria, Va.; seven grandchildren, Ricky Swanson; Marshall Hodges (April); Leah Bundy (Bradley); Lydia Baker (Devante’); Zachary Taylor and Whitney Hodges; and six great-grandchildren.  He was preceded in death by his parents, Julian and Vera Hodges; a daughter, Tracey E. “Lisa” Hodges Swanson; and his mother-in-law, Lillian R “Fritz” Clarke.

A memorial service will be held 2 pm Friday, December 2, 2022. The family will receive friends one hour prior to the service. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to any charitable organization.