Rhesa Purnell "Pen" Hodges

Coleman Funeral Home of Oxford Rhesa Purnell “Pen” Hodges, 73, of Spartanburg, SC, passed away Monday, January 27, 2025, at Baptist Memorial Hospital in Oxford, MS. Pen was born March 23, 1951, in Newberry, SC, to the late Dr. Rupert Hodges and the late Eunice Purnell Hodges. The funeral service will be held in the chapel of First Presbyterian Church of Spartanburg at 2:00 pm Saturday, February 1,2025, with a reception to immediately follow in the Perrin Room. A celebration of his life will be held March 23, 2025, in Oxford, MS. Details will follow. Pen leaves behind a legacy of love, sense of humor, and memories with his family. He had a love for dogs, especially Newfoundlands, having four of his own. He had many hobbies and interests, but his ability and love for entertaining was above all else. Whether it was playing the keyboard in his band, pulling pranks and telling jokes and stories, or creating the most amazing games and scavenger hunts for his grandchildren, his love and brilliant mind always shone through. Pen leaves behind his wife of 40 years, Nancy Neuman Hodges, of Spartanburg, South Carolina. His four children, Rebecca Bates (Brian), Florence, MS; Susannah Byrd (Jeff), Oxford, MS; Caroline Peters, New Albany, MS; and Reese Hodges (Dr. Margaret ), Memphis, TN. His nine grandchildren, Ben Bates, Sarah Beth Bates, Harris Byrd, McLain Byrd, Daniel Peters, Henry Peters, West Hodges, Dorothy Hodges, and Ann Hodges. He also leaves behind his three brothers, Rupert Hodges (Sally), Spartanburg, SC; Heyward Hodges ( Loicka), Madison, MS; and the Honorable Thomas Hodges (Erroll Anne), Greenville, SC; as well as, many nieces and nephews. Pen was predeceased by his parents and a sister, Evelyn Hodges. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in his memory to the West Cancer Foundation (West Cancer Foundation - Cancer Research - Supporting Cancer Patients) Southeastern Newfoundland Rescue (Home | SENCRescue, Inc. ) or the Purnell Fund at First Presbyterian Church of Spartanburg. The staff at Coleman Funeral Home of Oxford is honored to assist the family during this difficult time. Condolences may be expressed online on his Tribute Wall at www.colemanfuneralhomeox.com

Rhesa Purnell "Pen" Hodges

March 23, 1951 - January 27, 2025

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