Mr. William P. Hodo

Celebration Service will be streamed live on the William Gayleano Murray and Son Funeral Home's Facebook Page. Here is the link: https://www.facebook.com/William-Gayleano-Murray-and-Son-Funeral-Home-100312988162809

William P. Hodo was born to the late Charlie and Daisy Hodo on April 10, 1947, in Butler, Georgia. He was the 10th of 11 children in this union. At an early age, William accepted Christ as his personal Lord and Savior and remained faithful unto God all the days of his life. He graduated from Charles Lincoln Harper High School in June 1965.

After high school, William worked for Southern Cross Mattress Company. In 1968, he was drafted into the United States Army. During his military time, he was decorated with a number of military awards, such as National Defense Service Medal, Vietnam Service Medal with two Bronze Stars, Air Medal, Purple Heart with one Oak Leaf Cluster, and Combat Infantryman Bridge just to name a few. He was honorably discharge as E-5 Sergeant in August 1970.

After his time in the military, William looked on to the next chapter of his life. He enrolled at Atlanta Area Technical College, learning trades in multiple areas including heating & air and auto mechanics. He was a strong believer in a person getting an education. He would say “an education will help take you places.” 

For over 25 years, William was employed at Atlanta Gas Light (AGL) Company. AGL later merged with McJunkin Redman Corporation where he continued his employment for another 13 years until he retired. He was the warehouse manager for both companies. He made sure that the deliveries were made on time and inspired his employees to do their best. He often remarked on his knowledge of the inventory and how he could just look at a part and know whether or not it was right. He also prided himself on ensuring that the warehouse complied; meeting high marks for the Southern district during every inspection. 

In November 1972, he married the love of his life and devoted partner Juanita Williams. They enjoyed taking care of each other for almost 50 years. They traveled together, worked outside planting flowers, and even watched their favorite preachers on television every Saturday and Sunday night. To this blessed union, two children were born, Anichia and Monica. 

William was very proud of his “girls” and his grandchildren. He would take his “girls” on their annual Christmas shopping trip to Macy’s (oh how he loved that store). He would then make them wrap their purchases to only be placed underneath the Christmas tree. William believed in the importance of leaving a legacy for his family. He was always there when they needed him. Honestly, if anyone needed anything, he never hesitated to lend a helping hand.

William was a “jack of all trades”. During the COVID pandemic, he broke out his sewing machine and taught himself how to make facial masks. He also upholstered chairs and fixed other various things around the house. He was not a fan of paying someone else for any job he could easily do. He would say “don’t just spend all your money”. 

He was also an “undercover” baker who could make a mean pound cake, sweet potato pie, and even his signature buttermilk pie. After tasting his squash, it became one of Larry's (son-in-law's) favorite vegetables. He loved to tend in his garden. Everyone enjoyed the fruits of his labor, a fact in which he took pride. He loved to have authentic conversations. And with those conversations, there was always some advice; whether solicited or not. He had a humble spirit and a genuine smile; his laugh was one of a kind. He brought so much love, joy, and fun to so many lives.

After retirement, William could not sit still. He was a “busy man!” He found and/or made projects for himself just so he could stay busy. These projects were either at the house, or his daughter’s houses, or the church…. there was always something! To add to his “list of to-dos”, William joined the Harriett “Emma” Darnell Senior Facility. It was here, where William awakened his alter ego. Influenced by his Ohio Family, William joined the beginner line dancing class and in no time, he mastered the craft of line dance. So much so, he joined MULTIPLE Fulton County Senior Centers (Bowden, Quality Living Service, Old Adamsville, and Rosel Fann). Line dancing brought him so much enjoyment…he loved to dance. He would study and learn the dance moves from YouTube and CDs until he perfected his moves, adding his own personal swag to the movement. 

He also found pleasure when he joined the “Fashion Team of Distinction” at the “Emma” Darnell Center. He looked forward to their annual Fashionable Seniors on the Move Fashion Show, by shopping and coordinating for his outfits/ensemble; including accessories. William owned the runway; he was a TRUE show stopper.  His style was second to none coordinating suits, shoes, socks, and hats. NO matter what he wore he looked good and he knew that he was sharp.

William believed in faithfully serving and worshipping the Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. He was an active member of Zion Hill Missionary Baptist Church and loved his Church Family. If he was not at home or at Home Depot, William was at Zion Hill. He served on the board of Deacons, Treasurer of the Finance Committee, Usher Board #3, the Cuisine Committee, Sunday School, Male Choir and COVID Planning Committee until his death. He was even honored as Man of Year. He always sought to make anyone who came to the church feel welcome. He had a warm spirit, infectious smile, and he took great pride in the work he did for the Lord.

William was called home to be with the Lord on Friday, April 9, 2021. His humble spirit and wonderful smile will be missed by all those who was fortunate to meet him. The Lord replaced his hat for a crown. 

William was preceded in death by his parents Charlie and Daisy Hodo and eight siblings: Paul Hodo, Gussie (Willie) Whitfield, Robert Hodo, Charlie Hodo Jr. “June”, Johnnie B. Hodo, James (Alma) Hodo, Mary Alice and Mattie Kate (Carl) Long. 

William leaves to cherish in his memories a loving wife Juanita Hodo; two daughters Anichia (John Jr.) and Monica (Larry Jr.); four grandchildren John III, William, Summer, and Nathan; sister Ozella Brooks and his best friend, buddy, and brother Neal (Millicent) Hodo; sister-in-laws Pearl Hodo, Eliza Barker, Gerri Williams, Lula Ann Gooden and Garland Williams; special cousins who he considered a brother and sister Jimmie Montgomery and Lola Hodo Thornton; a few “daughter nieces”; a host of nieces, nephews, relatives; good friend Andre McDowell; special church family at Zion Hill, Grant Drive neighbors and friends; and his cat Neo, who he affectionally called “Scooter”, whom he and his wife hijacked from Monica.

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