Michael Dale Hodges

Michael Dale Hodges (Mickey) passed away peacefully at Summit Place of Kings Mountain on Sunday, February 22, 2026. He was born on July 24, 1943, to the late John Malloy and Connie Hodges. He attended Cobb Memorial High School where he enjoyed playing baseball. He also met Lois Carroll while attending school and they later married.

Mickey joined the US Air Force in May of 1961. While in service, he learned to work on jet engines. He was stationed in Bitburg, Germany from 1966 to 1969. He was honorably discharged in July of ’69. After that he became on over-the-road truck drive and went to work for Weyerhaeuser Company in Plymouth, NC where he made his home. While employed with Weyco, he became a member of the Million Mile Club indicating he drove 1,000,000 miles without a preventable accident. He proudly carried the wallet version of that award with him at all times.

After his retirement, he married Hope Walker in April, 1998, who survives him. Burlington became his home until he moved to Summit Place at the end of 2024. With Hope he shares a stepson, Michael (Jeanna), 1 granddaughter Shelby, and one great grandson.

Mickey leaves behind a daughter, Sherri, and her husband Chris, a son, Kevin, and his wife Allison. He has 3 grandchildren who adored him: Hollie (Joseph), Dylan (Haley), and Chase. Two great grandchildren: Whitley and Emma (born just 5 days before his death). He has a brother Lou (Sharon), brother Timmy, and a sister Patty who predeceased him, and many nieces and nephews. He also leaves behind two special aunts Laverne and Scottie, and a cousin Rosemary who felt more like a sister.

He loved playing softball and continued to play for many years in the local adult men’s league. He was fearless and was always up for a good rollercoaster ride. At one point he owned a paraplane that he enjoyed flying in his spare time. He loved fishing with his beloved uncles George Albright and George Hodges. Mickey was quite the adventurer and he always thought he needed a nice suntan in the summer. He stayed active right up until the end and loved to show his nurses how he could still run the hallways.

Mickey will be dearly missed by his family and friends. In lieu of flowers, the family asks that you make a donation in his name to the local Veterans Administration.