Rupert Spencer Hodge, age 83, of Rutherfordton, North Carolina, passed peacefully into Jesus arms, January 20, 2026. Rupert was born on April 9, 1942, and was the son of the late Jonas and Mamie Gibbs Hodge.

In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his beloved granddaughter, Mallorie McCollum, brothers, Shuford and Bill Hodge, and sisters, Annie Laura Greene, Nancy Street, and Irene Bridges.

Left to cherish his memory wife of 59 years 11 months, Wilda Jo Burgess Hodge, their daughters, Karla McCollum of Rutherfordton, NC, and Amala Sentell and husband Shannon of Austin, TX.

Five grandsons include Brent McCollum, and Seth McCollum of Rutherfordton, Gray (Hadley) Sentell, Sloan Sentell, and Talbot Sentell all of Austin, TX. Two honorary grandsons, Edgar and Ernest McCarty of Hendersonville, NC. Two honorary granddaughters, Autumn McEntire and Alyssa Suttle of Rutherfordton, NC.

Rupert was a faithful member of Pleasant Grove Baptist Church where he served as deacon for many years and also served on various church committees.

He retired from Spindale Mills where he worked in several different aspects of manufacturing and management.

His hobbies included hunting, fishing, gardening, and traveling. His favorite hobby was spending time with his grandkids teaching them how to fish and hunt, but most of all how to cook and eat their catch or hunting bounties. As well as sharing his life stories as truthful as they may or may not have been.

Rupert served in the United States Army stationed in Kaiserslautern Army Base, Germany.

He was a member of the Rutherford County Honor Guard and served honorably for many years. Military honors will be rendered  by his friends and fellow Honor Guard members.

The family will receive friends from 10:00 AM to 11:00 AM, Thursday, January 29, 2026, at Pleasant Grove Baptist Church.  The celebration of life service will be at Pleasant  Grove Baptist  Church at 11:00 AM, Thursday, January 29, 2026. In lieu of flowers, please make memorials to Pleasant Grove Baptist Church backpack fund, 130 Pleasant Grove Road, Rutherfordton, NC 28139. McMahan's Funeral Home & Crematory is in charge of arrangements.