Curtis Delough Hodge

Curtis Delough Hodge, loving husband, father, and grandfather passed away Wednesday, March 8, 2023, in his Albuquerque home.

Curtis was born April 21, 1940, to Norris and Gladys Hodge in Marianna, Arkansas. He was a 1958 Benton High School graduate and proud Panther. His senior motto, "One of the Roving Kind," was well lived as Curtis was always on the go, loved talking to people, and was an easy friend to all. Curtis graduated from the University of Arkansas in 1962 and was a member of the Sigma Alpha Epsilon fraternity. Curtis joined the United States Air Force in 1963, where he began his career in the Office of Security Police. He proudly served his country for 20 years until his retirement as Lieutenant Colonel and Security Police Staff Officer within the Nuclear Engineering Division in 1983. He continued his career as a security systems project manager with the engineering and construction company Holmes and Narver and then Sandia Labs before his final retirement in 2013.

Curtis lived an incredibly active and adventure filled life. He was a member of Tanoan Country Club for almost 45 years where he developed a close-knit circle of friends who enjoyed golfing, tennis, skiing, and hunting together. His greatest passion was tennis and he played religiously, often referring to the court as his church. Playing both leisurely and competitively, Curtis was recently honored at the Quail Ridge Tennis Club in Taos for competing in their annual tournament for 40 consecutive years. In addition to sports, Curtis was absolutely fascinated by history and literature, and he loved traveling with the love of his life, Sharon, to see all the places they'd read about. He was particularly fond of Mark Twain and was known for his ability to memorize quotes and passages.

Curtis leaves his family and friends with fond memories of a life well-lived. He was a one-of-a-kind southern gentleman with a bigger than life personality. He befriended everyone he met and brightened every room with his natural charisma, quick wit, and warm smile. He adored his wife Sharon, who he lovingly referred to as his "Jev" and frequently expressed how lucky he felt to have found the endearing love the two of them shared. Curtis will be most remembered for his craft in storytelling. He marveled in exposition, rising action, and delivery. Although he could be known for telling the same story repeatedly, he attributed repetition to refinement. These stories are what Curtis's family and friends will hold dearly to their hearts, passing them from one generation to the next, keeping his beautiful spirit alive and with them always.

Curtis is survived by the love of his life Sharon; his daughter, Stacia (Daryle); son, Brandon; grandchildren, Storme, Stone and Steele; sister, Neena, and former wife, Pamela. He was preceded in death by his parents, Norris and Gladys, and brother, Norris.

A Celebration of Life will be held Friday, March 24, 2023, from 12:00 p.m. to 3:00 p.m., at the Tanoan Country Club, 10801 Academy Rd NE, Albuquerque, NM 87111. As a Veteran, a military funeral honors ceremony will take place at Santa Fe National Cemetery at a later date.