Robert Morton “Bob” Hodgson, 83, died on Jan. 3, 2011.
He was born July 21, 1927 to William Malcolm Hodgson Sr. and Kathleen Breitling Hodgson in Stockton. He was a 1945 graduate of Baldwin County High School where he played varsity football and basketball, was a member of the Key Club and was an Eagle Scout.
He graduated from The University of Alabama in 1950 with a B.S. in commerce and business administration; was a member of Alpha Tau Omega fraternity; served in the U.S. Navy and was a pilot in the Air Force Reserve.
He returned to Bay Minette and joined the family business at Standard Oil. He later served as executive vice president and chairman of the Board of another family-owned business, Standard Furniture Manufacturing Company Inc. for over 50 years.
He also served on numerous boards and committees over the course of his life, including: chairman of the Board and a founder of Bayside Academy; chairman of the Board of Alabama Sheriffs’ Youth Ranches; chairman of the board for Community Foundation of South Alabama; member of the Board of Directors for SouthTrust Bank of Baldwin County; and member of the Board of Directors for Westminster Village.
He served for years as a Deacon and Elder of The First Presbyterian Church of Bay Minette, where he participated in numerous mission trips to Mexico. He was chosen as the Chamber of Commerce Citizen of the Year for the city of Bay Minette in 1991 and was a member of the Bay Minette Kiwanis Club. He was active in fundraising for several organizations, including: The Presbyterian Home for Children, The Shoulder, North Baldwin Infirmary Foundation, Oakwood Center for Living, North Baldwin Wellness Center, and Bayside Academy, from which he received the Outstanding Service Award in 2005. In 2008, he was commended for extraordinary professional achievement and community service for Baldwin County by the Alabama State Legislature.
He was preceded in death by his parents; a brother, William Malcolm Hodgson Jr.; and a sister, Helen Hodgson Shannon.
Survivors include his wife of 57 years, Doris Crawford Hodgson; daughter, Kimberly Hodgson (Quint) Jardine of Daphne; son, Philip Morton (Sandy) Hodgson of Daphne; two granddaughters, Ann-Brooks Hodgson and Sidney Crawford Hodgson; numerous nieces and nephews; and long-time family friend, Mary Lamar.
Visitation will be held fropm 5 to 7 p.m. Wednesday, Jan. 5 at The First Presbyterian Church of Bay Minette. Funeral services will be held at 11 a.m. Thursday, Jan. 6 at the church.
The family requests memorial donations be made to the First Presbyterian Church of Bay Minette, P.O. Box 1508, Bay Minette, AL 36507; Alabama Sheriffs’ Youth Ranches, P.O. Box 240009, Montgomery, AL 36124; North Baldwin Animal Shelter, P.O. Box 190, Bay Minette, AL 36507; or Oakwood-North Baldwin’s Center for Living, 2010, Medical Center Drive, Bay Minette, AL 36507.
Arrangements were made by Norris Funeral Home, Bay Minette. Online condolences may be made at www.norrisfuneralservice.com.
