Remembering Two Remarkable Teachers:

by Joan Bittner Fry

Mr. Billy R. Hodge, Sr., passed away October 11, 2025, at the age of 94. He was born in Ashland, West Virginia, and after graduating from Elkhorn High School in 1948, he earned his Bachelor’s and Master’s degrees in education from Elizabeth City State University in North Carolina.

Early on, Billy taught at Watson High School in Covington, Virginia. He later taught science at Thurmont Middle School, retiring after 37 years of teaching. Following retirement, he worked part-time as a Park Ranger at Catoctin National Park.

Billy was an avid sports fan for both men’s and women’s sports. He enjoyed bowling and coached football for many years. He began his coaching career at Watson High School in Virginia. At Catoctin High School, he helped to establish the football program. He also coached the Waynesboro (PA) Tigers Football team for many years.

He served his country as a tank commander with the U.S. Army during the Korean War and was awarded the Bronze Star.

Billy’s wife, Helen Hargrave Hodge, passed away June 11, 2004, at the age of 69. She was born in Cincinnati, Ohio, and was a 1952 graduate of Withrow High School. She earned a Bachelor’s degree in elementary education from Elizabeth City State University in North Carolina.

The Hodges were married in 1956 in Portsmouth, Virginia, and had lived in Covington for nine years prior to moving to Waynesboro (PA) in 1966.

Helen taught in Covington for seven years and at Sabillasville Elementary School for 24 years, retiring in 1990.

She was an excellent teacher, well loved by students and parents alike. She enjoyed her family, crocheting, playing computer games, television game shows (especially Jeopardy), and she was an avid reader.

The Hodges had one daughter, Nikki, and two sons, Billy Jr. and Richard. At the time of Mrs. Hodge’s death in 2004, there were seven grandchildren and eight great-grandchildren. At the time of Mr. Hodge’s death in 1925, there were 8 grandchildren, 15 great-grandchildren, and 4 great-great-grandchildren.

Note: Many of us remember the teachers recognized here. Students, fellow teachers, and coaches, along with parents and acquaintances, could never forget the influence this couple had on them. I hope you enjoyed this glance into the lives of this notable couple who contributed so much to their communities and to the education of local students for so many years.

Send tributes for the family to jofry241@yahoo.com.