July 11, 2025

Community Remembers Lifelong Athlete and Educator

News Summary

The Jacksonville community is mourning the loss of former student-athlete Bryant Hodges, who passed away recently. Known for his baseball talent and dedication to education, Hodges impacted many during his life. His funeral services will be held soon, bringing family and friends together to honor his memory. A beloved member of his community, Hodges is remembered for his contributions to sports and his love for outdoor activities.

Jacksonville, FL – The community is mourning the loss of former student-athlete Bryant Hodges, III, who passed away at the age of 46 on July 5, 2025, at Baptist Beach Hospital. His funeral services are scheduled for Thursday, July 10, 2025, at 3:00 PM at Evans-Skipper Funeral Home, with interment to follow at Friendship Cemetery. Rev. Mike Herring and others will officiate the services.

Visitation for family, friends, and community members will take place on July 9, 2025, from 5:00 to 7:00 PM at the funeral home. Hodges is survived by his parents, Benny Bryant Hodges and Sharon Widner Hodges, a sister, Marian Hunter, a brother, Jacob Hodges, and three nieces. He is also remembered by his long-term companion, Cheri Mallek, along with extended family members.

Bryant Hodges was born on February 27, 1979, in Dothan, Alabama. From a young age, he showed remarkable talent in baseball, receiving coaching from Billy Fain starting at 5 years old and continuing through high school. He played for a local American Legion team until graduating from high school in 1997. During his senior year, Hodges was recognized for his skills as a pitcher and selected for Team Georgia in the prestigious High School Allstars, where he contributed to the team’s victory at the Sunbelt Classic.

Although he was drafted by the Florida Marlins after high school, Hodges chose to pursue his education, earning baseball scholarships first at Tallahassee Community College and then at North Florida Community College. He later completed his Bachelor’s Degree in Physical Education from the University of West Georgia, furthering his commitment to sports and education.

Following his academic pursuits, Hodges worked as a project manager at Cogburn Brothers Construction Company in Jacksonville, FL, and remained an active member of the Plumbers and Pipefitters Local Union 234. His strong ties to the community were evident through his involvement with First Presbyterian Church in Donalsonville.

In addition to his professional achievements, Hodges shared a love for outdoor activities such as hunting, fishing, and golfing. He also enjoyed cooking, a passion that fostered connection with family and friends. Those who knew him remember his affection for animals, particularly his two rescued pets, Shannon and Boots.

Hodges’ passing has prompted an outpouring of grief and remembrance from many in the local community. While he is preceded in death by his grandparents and an uncle, his legacy continues to touch the lives of those he inspired through his dedication to sports, family, and community life. The upcoming services allow family and friends to gather together to honor the life and memory of a cherished individual who made a lasting impact during his time among them.

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Author: STAFF HERE JACKSONVILLE WRITER

The JACKSONVILLE STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HEREJacksonville.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Jacksonville, Duval County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as the Jacksonville Jazz Festival, Riverside Arts Market, and World of Nations Celebration. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Jacksonville Chamber of Commerce and JAXUSA Partnership, plus leading businesses in logistics, healthcare, and entertainment that power the local economy such as CSX Corporation, Baptist Health, and VyStar Credit Union. As part of the broader HERE network, including HEREOrlando.com, HEREStPetersburg.com, HERETallahassee.com, and HERETampa.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Florida's dynamic landscape.

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