William "Bill" Dale Hodge, age 73, of St. Elizabeth, passed away on Saturday, November 23, 2024, at his home.  He was born in Iberia on June 30, 1951, son of the late Arthur William and Inez Myree (Farrow) Hodge.  On August 21, 1971, at Humphrey Creek Christian Church near St. Elizabeth, Bill was united in marriage to Rose Marie Landreth, who survives at their home.

Bill was a 1969 graduate of St. Elizabeth High School.  Bill possessed a strong work ethic.  Before retiring, Bill was employed at the Charcoal Kiln in Meta, the Miller County Highway Department, drove a concrete truck and worked in construction.   In addition to these various careers, he also worked alongside his father, Arthur, on the family farm.

Bill found pleasure in fishing and deer hunting and loved spending time messing around at the farm.  He always welcomed the company of his family and friends, especially his grandchildren and great-grandchildren who were his greatest joy in life.

He is survived by his loving wife, Rose Hodge; daughter, Amanda "Mandy" Blackerby of St. Elizabeth; son, Matthew "Matt" Hodge of St. Elizabeth; daughter-in-law, Gina Hodge; grandchildren, Sarah (Aerin) Ussery, Kaitlin "Kate" Hodge, Megan Hodge, Jack Forshee, Austin "AJ" Blackerby, and Brandi Blackerby; great-grandchildren, Evelyn Forshee, Hadleigh Ussery, and Rex Ussery; two brothers, Roy "Pete" Hodge and wife Margaret of Culp Creek, Oregon, and Paul Hodge and wife Rebecca of St. Elizabeth; and a host of nieces, nephews, family and friends.

In addition to his parents, he was also preceded in death by his son, Lewis "Lewie" Hodge; four brothers, Carles "Hank" Hodge, Stanley "Bud" Hodge, Carl Hodge, and Gerald "Jerry" Hodge, and two sisters, Rhonda Huhmann and Marla "Josie" Hodge.

Visitation will be held from 5 p.m. to 7 p.m. on Tuesday, November 26, at Fancher-Rekus Funeral Home in Iberia.

Funeral service will be held at 10 a.m. on Wednesday, November 27, at Fancher-Rekus Funeral Home in Iberia with Lloyd Mattocks officiating.  Interment will be held in Dake Cemetery near Iberia.

Memorial contributions are suggested to the William Hodge Memorial Fund.