It saddens me to report that Charlie Hodge passed away last Friday night.
I am aware that most of you have already received this news, however, I
personally wanted to wait until now before I sent out this sad announcement to you.
Charlie became a background vocalist, and rhythm guitarist for Elvis, and was
also known as the man who gave Elvis his water, and scarves on stage. He worked with Elvis for 17 years, and also lived at
Graceland during their friendship.
Charlie, and his wife lovely Jennifer were very dear friends of mine. Although
aware of Charlie's illness...out of respect for both of them, I chose not to
publicly speak about Charlie's battle with cancer, and was so hoping that he
would be able to fight the battle. Even through these sad times, Charlie still
manages to bring a smile to my face as I recall the shows, dinner, laughs, and
fun time we shared. Thank you for all those fond memories Charlie, I will
treasure them forever. May you rest in peace my friend...you were such a joy to know.
My sincerest, and deepest sympathies are extended to Jennifer, and to ALL of you who knew Charlie Hodge.
Charlie Hodge ~
Charlie Hodge, age 71, of Sevierville, Tenn., died Friday, March 3, 2006,
at Fort Sanders Regional in Knoxville, Tenn. He was born and raised in
Decatur. Charlie’s love of music and comedy led him to a long career of singing
with quartets, one of the first included Bill Gaither and Charlie’s own
quartet, The Foggy River Boys. Charlie entered the Army with Elvis Presley and they became good friends. He worked for Elvis and lived in
Graceland for 17 years. After Elvis’ death, Charlie continued to perform in shows dedicated to Elvis’ memory. For the past 15 years, Charlie performed at Memories Theatre in Pigeon Forge, Tenn., and also traveled the world sharing Elvis stories speaking and performing.
He was preceded in death by his parents, George and Mattie P. Hodge.
Survivors include his loving wife, Jennifer Hodge; one sister, Margie
Poteet of Somerville; one nephew, Lyle Poteet of Somerville; one great-niece,
Caitlin Poteet; one cousin, Sedema Poole and several other cousins.
The family will receive friends tonight from 5 to 8 at Atchley Funeral
Home in Sevierville, Tenn.
Funeral service will be Tuesday, March 7, 2006, at 2 p.m. at Roselawn
Funeral Home in Decatur. Burial will follow in New Friendship Baptist Church
Cemetery. The family will receive friends Monday from 5 to 8 p.m. at the
funeral home. In lieu of flowers, the family requests that you make donations to your favorite charity in Charlie’s memory.
Published in the Decatur Daily on 3/5/2006.
To view, and sign Charlie's Guest Book, please visit:
http://www.legacy.com/decaturdaily/Guestbook.asp Page=GuestBook&PersonID=16921354
His Journey's Just Begun
Don't think of him as gone away--
his journey has just begun,
life holds many facets--
the Earth is only one.
Just think of him as resting
from the sorrows and the tears
in a place of warmth and comfort
where there are no days and years.
Think how he must be wishing
that we could know today
how nothing but our sadness
can really pass away.
And think of him as living
In the hearts of those he touched...
For nothing loved is ever lost--
And he was loved so much.
- Ellen Brenneman
Your condolences may also be sent to:
Jennifer Hodge
Memories Theatre
2141 Parkway
Pigeon Forge, TN 37863
quelle: Kathleen A. DeNike, Collingwood Elvis club