William Norman Hodges
November 30, 1940 –
William Norman Hodges, 84, made his final exit on Dec. 20 at James A. Haley Veterans Hospital.
When asked how he wanted to be remembered, Bill said, “I cared.” He took joy in sharing his favorite confidence-building affirmation: “You are unique. You are special. You are great. Tell yourself often because you are, you know.” He exhibited optimism in everything he did, offering encouragement to immeasurable readers with his syndicated newspaper column, Positive Talk, and book, Within Your Reach.
Born in Chatham, Ontario, Canada, Nov. 30, 1940, he lived there until age 12 and then in Grand Rapids, Michigan, where he attended Godwin High School and enlisted in the U.S. Air Force. After his last posting at Wright-Patterson Air Force Base, Fairborn, Ohio, he attended the University of Dayton.
He was known for his exceptional communication and relationship skills that were used in friendships, various sales positions and in his own business—Hodges Seminars. He also hosted a television interview program to help citizens know their government representatives. After moving to Florida in 1999, he began a similar program—Spotlight on Government—on TBCN, a Tampa station, and contracted with The Observer News (Ruskin) to publish his Positive Talk column.
While phasing into retirement in Sun City Center, he began drawing from his own experience with the VA to help Veterans understand benefits available to them. Veterans Corner, his program on Sun Radio, and Veterans Corner Radio podcast now have listeners in 47 countries. A Congressional Veteran Commendation is among numerous awards received for Veteran advocacy and community service.
Bill and wife, Phyllis, celebrated their 25th anniversary on December 12. Judy Hodges, his former wife, predeceased him in August this year. His blended family includes two children—Kenneth William “Chip” Hodges (Melissa) and Heather Ann Hodges; two stepchildren—Alyn Scott Naylor and Kandi Paige Perry (Steve); sister, Linda Kaylor (Steve); brother-in-law, Kenneth Owens (Geneva); six grandchildren and four great-grandchildren.
A Celebration of Life is set for January 25, 10 a.m., at Community Hall, 1910 S. Pebble Beach, Sun City Center, Florida. A private military honors ceremony will be at Sarasota National Cemetery.
The family requests, in lieu of flowers, that contributions be made to Disabled American Veterans Chapter 110, 1910 S. Pebble Beach Blvd., Sun City Center, FL 33573.
When asked how he wanted to be remembered, Bill said, “I cared.” He took joy in sharing his favorite confidence-building affirmation: “You are unique. You are special. You are great. Tell yourself often because you are, you know.” He exhibited optimism in everything he did, offering encouragement to immeasurable readers with his syndicated newspaper column, Positive Talk, and book, Within Your Reach.
Born in Chatham, Ontario, Canada, Nov. 30, 1940, he lived there until age 12 and then in Grand Rapids, Michigan, where he attended Godwin High School and enlisted in the U.S. Air Force. After his last posting at Wright-Patterson Air Force Base, Fairborn, Ohio, he attended the University of Dayton.
He was known for his exceptional communication and relationship skills that were used in friendships, various sales positions and in his own business—Hodges Seminars. He also hosted a television interview program to help citizens know their government representatives. After moving to Florida in 1999, he began a similar program—Spotlight on Government—on TBCN, a Tampa station, and contracted with The Observer News (Ruskin) to publish his Positive Talk column.
While phasing into retirement in Sun City Center, he began drawing from his own experience with the VA to help Veterans understand benefits available to them. Veterans Corner, his program on Sun Radio, and Veterans Corner Radio podcast now have listeners in 47 countries. A Congressional Veteran Commendation is among numerous awards received for Veteran advocacy and community service.
Bill and wife, Phyllis, celebrated their 25th anniversary on December 12. Judy Hodges, his former wife, predeceased him in August this year. His blended family includes two children—Kenneth William “Chip” Hodges (Melissa) and Heather Ann Hodges; two stepchildren—Alyn Scott Naylor and Kandi Paige Perry (Steve); sister, Linda Kaylor (Steve); brother-in-law, Kenneth Owens (Geneva); six grandchildren and four great-grandchildren.
A Celebration of Life is set for January 25, 10 a.m., at Community Hall, 1910 S. Pebble Beach, Sun City Center, Florida. A private military honors ceremony will be at Sarasota National Cemetery.
The family requests, in lieu of flowers, that contributions be made to Disabled American Veterans Chapter 110, 1910 S. Pebble Beach Blvd., Sun City Center, FL 33573.