Dr. Nathan Lee Hodges, a resident of Ozark, died peacefully in his home surrounded by family on February 2, 2026. He was 83 years old.

Memorial services for Dr. Hodges will be 2:00 pm Friday, February 6, 2026, at The First United Methodist Church of Ozark with Reverend Dr. Jason Thrower officiating. Interment will follow in the Church Meditation Garden, Holman Funeral Home of Ozark directing. The family will receive friends in the church sanctuary Friday from 12:30 pm until service time.

Nathan was born December 7, 1942 in Donalsonville, Georgia to Roy Lee and Mae Fannie Chandler Hodges. He graduated from Wewahitchka High School in 1960. Following High School he attended Gulf Coast Community College and Emory University’s Candler School of Theology. He pastored churches in Dale, Houston and Coffee County, Alabama from 1962 to 1968. He then graduated from Troy State University with a double major – BS Degree in Psychology and History and then a Masters Degree in Educational Administration. Between earning his BS Degree and getting his Masters degree he began his educational career as the principal at Midland City Elementary School. One little known fact is that during this time he also earned his solo pilot’s license, just one more certificate for the wall.

He liked to say “Just keep moving; just keep learning!” and that is exactly what he did. His next educational moves included time as principal of Ariton High School and then as the Associate Superintendent of Dale County Schools. In 1976 he was elected as Superintendent of Education of the Dale County School system. During this time he was selected by the Alabama Jaycees as Alabama’s Outstanding Young Man for his distinguished service to his community, state and county. Realizing he needed and wanted to know more, Nathan moved his family to Auburn University. He kept his family with him every step of the way. After earning his doctorate in educational leadership from Auburn University, Nathan became president of Wallace Community College in Dothan, Alabama. This marked only the beginning of an extraordinary career in post secondary education.

Upon leaving Wallace he attended the University of Alabama Birmingham to begin a study in Hospital Administration and continued his studies at the University of North Carolina Chapel Hill. This led him to University of New Mexico’s Children’s Hospital where he served in hospital administration. He ultimately returned to his roots and lifelong calling in education and attended the University of Texas in Block 49 in Community College Leadership. That journey led him to serve as president of Mayland Community College in Spruce Pine, North Carolina; Haywood Community College in Waynesville, North Carolina; and Southcentral Kentucky Technical and Community College in Bowling Green, Kentucky, where his leadership left a lasting impact on students, faculty, and communities alike.

Despite a lifetime of professional achievements, Dr. Hodges believed life was best lived in balance. He deeply valued time with friends and family and found happiness in the simple pleasures - caring for animals, the quiet focus of competition archery, and the peaceful rhythms of rural life. From the sloughs of the Dead Lakes to his farm in Alabama, he always found peace in the outdoors. Nature was not just a backdrop to his life, but a place where his gentle spirit thrived. He had a special softness and kindness toward animals, forming close bonds caring for pets of all kinds(from dogs and cats to cows and more); each one truly hitting the jackpot when they found their way into his care. Though his career was far-reaching in service, his heart remained rooted in his love for the Lord, his family, his friends, his pets, and his home on Route 2.

Nathan’s education, degrees, and career accomplishments were never about recognition or simply achievements; they were part of his calling to serve others. The people he encountered along the way shaped his life just as deeply as he shaped theirs. While he received many awards and honors throughout his career the most cherished and meaningful titles held closest to his heart were husband, dad, Pop Pop and friend.

Nathan was preceded in death by his parents, Roy Lee and Mae Fannie Chandler Hodges; and his sisters, Evelyn Hodges and Clara Hodges Caine. He is survived by his loving wife of over 61 years, Rebecca Elaine Sutton Hodges of Ozark; and his two children, Jeff Hodges (Dee) of Ozark, AL and Ginger Hodges Scarbrough (Kevin) of Enterprise, AL. He is also survived by six grandchildren: Hayden Elizabeth Scarbrough; Judson Hayes Scarbrough (Zoe); Alexander Slater Hodges; Hannah Nicole Kelley (Michael); Grayson Michael Hodges; Cooper Sutton Hodges; and by one great grandchild, Westin Hayes Kelley. He is also survived by his brother Larry Von Hodges (Debbie) of Albertville, AL; and by numerous nieces and nephews.

The family wishes to honor with sincere appreciation, Lorine Gissendanner, who has been so loving and helpful throughout this past year and the community of medical professionals from Community Hospice of Dale Medical Center, Ozark, AL. The family is also grateful for friends, community, and church family whose support, kindness and presence have meant so much during this time.

In lieu of flowers memorials may be made to the First United Methodist Church of Ozark, 167 East Broad Street, Ozark, Alabama 36360; or the Alzheimer’s Association at https://www.alz.org