Charlie Hodge Funeral Highlights
Only one person from Elvis Presley's famous
Memphis Mafia attended the funeral and that was none other than Sonny West reading comments from Red West, Marty Lacker, Lamar Fike, Patty Perry and Billy Smith, and then he told a few heart felt stories about when he and Charlie lived with Elvis in Los Angeles
The music began playing at 1:30 PM until the funeral service began at 2:00 PM. The preacher gave a warm welcome and then Lou Vuto sang "Peace in the Valley" and "He touched me"
A close friend of Charlie and Jennifer's - Oliver and the son of who Jennifer had worked for read eulogies from Sam Thompson, Joe Esposito, Jerry Schilling, Darwin Lamm and Priscilla.
Next was a guitar player Ross in their band at Memories sharing funny stories about the many times Charlie would play jokes on him for messing up on songs. The last song was "How Great Thou Art" which Lou Vuto sang and than the pastor spoke one final time and the service ended.
The largest flower arrangement was from the Sam Phillips family with a large black musical note and red roses. Another from Dick Grob and also from the Blackwood Brothers. There was no representation from Elvis Presley Enterprises other than one flower arrangement.
Others that attended were Dee Gallon of Memories Theatre, Will Stiles, Patsy Anderson, Jimmy Velvet, Jerry Presley and Kim Davis.
Many 8x10 photos accompanied the casket between flower arrangements At the chapel entrance were photo albums of his career with Elvis Presley. And one flower arrangement from Elvis fans.
The chapel was to capacity and as the funeral home began moving flowers the casket was closed one final time.
A procession of around 60 cars lead the way to the New Friendship Baptist Church Cemetery where he was laid to rest and at peace.