J. BIRD HODGES, JR

J. BIRD HODGES, JR of Statesboro, GA died July 1, 2026 at the age of 74. A licensed funeral director since 1974, he owned and operated Barnes-Hodges, Hodges-Turner, Hodges-Turner-Anderson, Hodges-Moore, Smith-Tillman Mortuary, and Bulloch Memorial Gardens from 1974 until 1994. Following the acquisition of his funeral homes by the Loewen Group, he became a partner with the company. Hodges went on to serve in leadership roles as a market manager and market director for Loewen Group, Alderwoods Group, Meridian Mortuary Group, and Keystone before retiring from Service Corporation International. During his career with these companies, he oversaw the daily operations of many funeral homes, and cemeteries throughout Georgia, North Florida, Alabama, Tennessee, South Carolina, and Kentucky. Hodges graduated from the Gupon-Jones College of Funeral Service.