Gary Samuel Hodges, 71 of Waynesboro, Virginia went home to be with the Lord on Thursday, May 27, 2021.

Born in Roanoke, VA on November 13, 1949, son of the late Samuel H. Hodges and Edna Lorraine Firebaugh Hodges.

Gary honorably served his country in the United States Army National Guard for 6 years. He retired from Lowe's as a store manager in 1988 after 20 years of service. Gary was a man of many talents and enjoyed his time as a blacksmith, running a karate school, and took great pride in his taxidermy business where he showcased true perfection. He was an avid outdoorsman enjoying hunting, fishing, diving, and anything to do with water, especially the beach and Smith Mountain Lake. He was called into the ministry in 1994 while attending Ridgeview Baptist Church in Stuarts Draft, Virginia. He served as pastor for 18 years at Christian Fellowship Baptist Church in Swoope, Virginia where he led many people to a saving knowledge of Jesus Christ. He retired on March 27, 2016, Easter Sunday after faithfully serving the Lord he dearly loved.

He is survived by his loving wife, Donna of 52 years, 2 children, Lisa Robertson of Waynesboro and Lori Showalter and her husband, Todd of Waynesboro: 4 grandchildren, Christopher Showalter and his wife Samantha, Dustin Howdyshell, Caleb Showalter and Seth Showalter, 2 great-grandchildren, Colton \u0026 Maddy Showalter; his brother, Michael B. Hodges and wife, Becky, his sister, Terri Currie and husband, Dan; multiple nieces and nephews, a mother-in-law, Phyllis Simmons and his best friend, his dog, Buddy.

The family will receive friends from 6:00 p.m. until 8:00 p.m. on Monday, May 31, 2021 at Coffman Funeral Home and Crematory.

A celebration of Gary's life will be conducted at 1:00 p.m. on Tuesday, June 1, 2021 at Ridgeview Baptist Church with the Reverend Don McClure officiating.

Burial will follow in Augusta Memorial Park in Waynesboro.

Active pallbearers will be Christopher Showalter, Dustin Howdyshell, Caleb Showalter, Seth Showalter, Ken Schwalje, and Paul Harris.

Honorary pallbearers will be Rod Adams, Phil Martin, Ben Laurens, Harold Munson, Mike Whitlow, Rick Moneymaker, Arnold Wright, and Zach Williams.

Memorial donations may be made to Augusta Health Foundation, Hospice of the Shenandoah, Post Office Box 1000, Fishersville, Virginia 22939.

Coffman Funeral Home and Crematory, 230 Frontier Drive, Staunton is in charge of his arrangements.