FRANCIS MARION (Guy) HODGSON 

            Francis Marion (Guy) Hodgson was the twelfth child of Edward Reginald and Anne Bishop Hodgson.  He received his education at the University of Georgia and in Maryland. He went to work for the Engineering Department of the District of Columbia.  (I was also told that he worked at the War Department in DC.)

 He married Mary Anne Allen in Falls Church, VA in 1894.  They lived in Falls Church until about 1910 when they moved back to Athens, GA, living first on Prince Avenue and then buying a home on The Boulevard.. Guy worked for King-Hodgson Grocery, Hodgson Oil Refinery and the Hodgson Fertilizer Company.

                Guy purchased a farm near Athens and had hopes that his six sons would take agriculture and all work together on the farm.  However, only two sons took agriculture, Harold and Prince.  After World War I Harold turned to veterinary medicine and Prince to teaching.  All eight surviving children attended the University of Georgia.

                (Excerpted from the Athens Banner-Herald article – no date given – giving his obituary and remarks.)  He (Guy) was one of Athens’ best-known figures and enjoyed a wide popularity among both young and old.  Although advanced in years, Mr. Hodgson never lost the faculty of meeting people on their own footing, and though a long period of years he retained his youthful spirit.

                As evidence of his alertness in things many people of his age lose interest in, seldom did a Saturday nigh pass in the Banner-Herald office without a phone call from him.  It was “Mr. Guy” wanting to know the score of this or that football game. His interest was not confined to athletic contest but covered the whole field of current events.  Often he called to inquire about something happening in a foreign country and his comments showed a keen insight and penetrating judgment of the situation.  And, so hearty and alive was he, and so considerate of the members of the newsroom staff during rush periods that his calls were always welcomes and usually given right-of-way.

                He was known to Athenians as one who expressed his opinion without quibbling.  If a question was asked of him, the questioner was certain to receive a straightforward reply.  He was never one to straddle the fence, whether it concerned a political contest or a discussion of books.  He was never one to straddle the fence, whether it concerned a political contest or a discussion of books.

                (Excerpted from a column in the Banner Herald entitled “Did it Ever Occur to “U”?”) “Guy”, as he was affectionately known to his countless friends, possessed many traits of magnetic character.  True and loyal to his friends, he never wavered when called to serve them, but could always be counted upon when trouble or sorrow overtook them to be the first to respond. He had been our friend since boyhood days and at no time, during all those years did there occur the least ripple between us.

                He loved his hometown and its people.  He was always active in all movements for its up-building and benefits, commercially and civically. 

                Back in the days before Athens enjoyed the benefits of a paid fire department, Guy was a member of the Pioneer Hook and Ladder Company, one of the crack companies in the state.  In those days it was considered quite an honor to be elected to a membership in the local department.  The Pioneer Company was made up of the pick of the flock of young manhood of this city.  He was one of the most prominent members and took a live interest in all the tournaments held in various cities of the state.  The Pioneer boys seldom lost a contest and for many years held the state championship belt and cup.

                … Our boyhood association with Guy Hodgson is as fresh in our mind today as it was, well, why bring years up?  It was not in the thirties, nor the twenties, or ‘teens, but it was not so long as to be forgotten.  Our good friend has gone, but his many beautiful traits of character, kindness and sympathy for his fellowman will live on and on into eternity and when the Resurrection Day arrives, our good friend will be there to greet friends of his boyhood days.

Excerpts from The Hodgson History – 1969