(DailyChive.com) – Jerry T. Hodges Jr., one of the last surviving members of the historic Tuskegee Airmen, has passed away at the age of 99. Hodges, born in Memphis, Tennessee, in 1925, died in California last Thursday, marking the end of a remarkable life dedicated to breaking barriers and achieving excellence among the historic Tuskegee Airmen.
The Tuskegee Airmen were a group of Black pilots trained in a segregated program during World War II. Around 992 pilots graduated from the program, but only about half served on the front lines. Hodges, although completing the rigorous training, did not see combat. His contributions, however, remain a proud part of this legendary chapter in history.
Hodges’ life was filled with achievements. After his family moved from Memphis to a farm in Heth, Arkansas, he attended a segregated high school. He later transferred to a different school, where he graduated as valedictorian in 1943. His academic journey continued at Hampton Institute, a historically Black college in Virginia, where he studied for three semesters before leaving to pursue his dream of flying and building a better future.
After serving in the Tuskegee Airmen, Hodges was honorably discharged in 1946. He then earned degrees in business, accounting, and finance from the University of Southern California. Always aiming higher, he later pursued an additional degree in financial planning from the College of Financial Planning in Denver, Colorado.
Hodges made significant strides in his professional life. He became vice president of one of California’s first Black-owned insurance companies, Casualty Insurance Company, before launching his own successful accounting firm. Beyond his business ventures, he was a cofounder of the Los Angeles Branch of the David Rockefeller Interracial Council on Business Opportunity. He also chaired the Tuskegee Airmen Scholarship Foundation, helping future generations achieve their goals through community leadership and scholarship programs.
In recognition of his impact, Hodges was inducted into the Arkansas Black Hall of Fame in 2012.
Hodges leaves behind his wife, Lillian Reed Hodges, and two daughters. His legacy, marked by perseverance, education, and service, is an enduring reminder of the power of determination.
As we honor his life, we remember not only his contributions to aviation but also his unwavering commitment to opening doors for others.
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