Oliver Lee Hodge Sr.

Oliver Lee Hodge was born on June 14, 1933 in Durham, NC. He departed this life on August 23, 2020.  He was the middle son of 2 brothers , Fendell Hodge ( older brother) and Johnny Hodge ( youngest brother). He was born to the late Fendell Hodge , Owner of Queen Pie Bakery and Ora Hodge , a domestic worker.  Ollie, as he was affectionately referred to by his wife Gassennie W. Hodge, attended Durham Public Schools. He graduated from Hilliside High School in 1953.  After high school he received a band scholarship to attend Alabama State University in Montgomery, AL.  It is there where he met his wife the late Gassennie Webb Hodge.  While at Alabama State, Oliver was part of the marching band, football team and became a member of Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Inc.  After graduating from Alabama State, he received his masters Degree in music theory from VanderCook College of Music in Chicago, IL.  After completing his masters, he moved to Laurinburg, North Carolina where he became the musical director for the chorus, concert, Jazz  and marching band at  I.Ellis Johnson High School from 1958-1964.

He left Laurinburg and became the band director at 3 separate junior high schools here in Durham, NC.  Whitted , Holton and Shepard junior high respectively. In 1991 he retired from the school system and devoted his time to his many hobbies and interests.  As a lot of people in the area know, he was an avid baker who routinely made birthday and wedding cakes for many people within and around the Durham community.  His most famous wedding cake was the one he made for UNC graduate and ESPN sports anchor the late Stuart Scott.  In addition he was cofounder of the NC Jazz Ensemble where he played bass guitar for their performances throughout the Triangle area. He was also a member of Beta Theta Lambda Chapter of Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity Inc.  He loved to read, draw and listen to Jazz.  He is survived by his two sons Oliver L. Hodge Jr. ( Cynthia) and Roderick V. Hodge ( Pamela) as well as his 3 grandchildren Lee, Ashley and Jaydn along with several cousins and friends.

Contributions can be made to Beta Theta Lambda Chapter Scholarship Fund of Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity at PO Box 12184, Durham, NC 27709

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