William Ray Hodge, 59, passed away Wednesday, August 9 at the Tuomey Regional Medical Center. He was born in Fries, Va. and was the son of the late Claude Hodge and Retta Grimes Hodge. Mr. Hodge was a retired U.A. Army First Sergeant and a Vietnam veteran, last serving at Fort Jackson, S.C.. Surviving are a son William Ray Hodge, Jr. of Sumter, S.C.; a son Michael Robert Hodge of Mo. , a daughter Crystal Lynn Watson of Palm Springs, California, a daughter Retta Gail Hair of Fort Drum, New York, a sister, Anna Mae Swiney of Fries, Va.; his former wife and caregiver, Linda Hodge of Sumter and nine grandchildren. A memorial service will be held on Sunday, August 20th at 1:00 PM in Vaughan-Chapel with Rev. Eddie Bailey officiating. Burial will follow in Monta Vista Cemetery with military honors being conducted by Fort Lee. Jewel and Sam Grimes will receive friends at their home on 104 Allen Drive in Galax immediately following the graveside service.