George Theodore Hodges - World War II Veteran, Creative Director, Naturalist & Family Man
George Theodore Hodges was born in New York City on February 7, 1925 and came of age during one of the most tumultuous times in American history from the Great Depression to World War Two. He joined the U.S. Navy as a Seabee in 1943 and saw action in New Guinea, Australia and the Philippines. He and his company were building the infrastructure for the potential invasion of Japan in 1945 prior to its surrender. As a Seabee, he had many stories to share about life in the Pacific theater of war. He is honored at the World War Two memorial in Washington DC.
After the war, he married Frances Elizabeth Gorey on June 7, 1947 and was the proud father of Carolyn, Daniel and Margaret and grandfather and great-grandfather to their children. Frances Gorey was the love of his life and they were married for sixty-three years. He fondly and lovingly remembered their courtship as one of the highlights of his life. Frances was a gifted poet and observer of people who enjoyed the simple pleasures of life.
In his professional career, George was a successful advertising creative director. He and his team created some of the most memorable campaigns in history of advertising from the 1950s through the 1990s. He was a naturalist, fitness enthusiast, environmentalist, original thinker, and a family man.
He died with his family around him at his home in his beloved Hawthorne community in Leesburg, Florida.
Family flew in from all parts or the world to see him over the past month and to say goodbye in person.
